Recent Events in Umuihueze and Anioma Isu Communities
Umuihueze Autonomous Community:
Residents protested the alleged imposition of Chief Daniel Nwauzor as their new traditional ruler.
Anioma Isu Autonomous Community:
Two individuals, High Chief Dr. Wisdom Okorie and Mr. John Uzo Igwe, were crowned as traditional ruler-elect, causing a brewing crisis.
Elder James Njoku, in charge of the crowning process, approved and crowned both individuals, leading to tension in the community.
Concerns Raised:
Supporters of both monarchs-elect are now claiming the throne, escalating the situation.
Chief Wisdom Okorie’s Response:
Expressed surprise at being crowned as the Igwe only to have another person also crowned by the same individual.
Stated that he met all criteria set by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for the title.
Urged state government intervention to resolve the dispute promptly.
He said: “Following the approval of the State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru that the communities without traditional rulers should strive to elect theirs, the people of Anioma Isu autonomous community after some deliberations, unanimously adopted me to be their ruler.
“After much pressure, I decided to accept it since it was coming from my community but was surprised that after I was crowned Igwe, the same man that crowned me went and crowned another person. Honestly, I don’t know his reason for such an act.
Efforts to reach the other crowned as Igwe, Mr. James Uzo Igwe proved abortive as calls placed across to was not successful as he was said to be switched off.
In Umuihueze autonomous community in Abia State, SEV reported that the community has been without a traditional ruler for over 40 years. In a plebiscite, Chief Daniel Nwauzor received 9 out of 12 votes, defeating Chief Enyinnaya Ogbulu who only got one vote. Votes from the other two villages were canceled due to insufficient representation.
The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, oversaw the plebiscite that elected Chief Daniel Nwauzor as the traditional ruler of the community. However, some community chiefs claimed they had nominated Chief Augustine Enyinnaya Ogbulu as the Eze-elect pending government approval.
The Palace secretary, Ogbonna Chijiuche, criticized the Commissioner’s actions and accused Chief Chris Nkwonta of influencing the decision. He appealed to Governor Alex Otti to intervene and prevent potential unrest in the community.
“What must have changed from the earlier approval the community got on the matter? This move is contrary to the dynasty of succession and traditions of Umuihueze Akwete Ndoki”, the palace secretary said.
When reached for comment, Chief Chris Nkwonta, the representative for Ukwa West/Ukwa East Federal Constituency, referred to the protesters as sore losers who distort the truth. He refuted claims of influencing the selection process, highlighting that the community has been without a monarch for over 40 years. Nkwonta emphasized the importance of the new monarch fostering unity and making decisions that benefit the entire community.
Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, dismissed allegations of financial influence from the lawmaker and defended the legitimacy of the plebiscite despite the protests. He explained that the state government conducted the plebiscite to resolve conflicts arising from traditional ruler selections, urging all parties to prioritize harmony over personal agendas.
Nwachukwu reassured that the state government remains impartial in selecting traditional rulers and is committed to maintaining order across the state. He called on the protesters to cease hostilities and back the newly appointed monarch for the community’s welfare.
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