Nsukka community on battle line over imposition of monarch

Indigenes of Odoru/Eburumiri Autonomous community, in Nsukka Local Government Area have launched angry protest over the alleged imposition of a traditional ruler on them.
DAILY POST reports that the villagers are unease over the alleged imposition of one Mr. Emmanuel Ezema on them by the Nsukka Local Government council.
Angered by the development, they stormed the Nsukka council secretariat in their numbers, insisting that they must be allowed to chose their monarch freely.
The protesters numbering hundreds, made up of aged men and women, as well as youths, arrived the council chanting angry songs.
They carried placards bearing “No to imposition of Emmanuel Ezema as Igwe on our community”, “We stand on the agreement that Odoru based on seniority should produce first traditional ruler”, “Our mutual agreement stands”, “We say No to government interference”, among others.
In a protest letter addressed to the council chairman, Chief Patrick Omeje, signed on behalf of Odoru/Eburumiri Autonomous community by the Onyishi of Odoru, Chief Ogbu Anthony, Onyishi Oha Eburumiri, Chief Ozioko Joseph, Secretary Oha Odoru, Chief Ogbu Anthony and Chief Okoh Ngwoke Eburumiri among others, they alleged that the community made up of Odoru and Eburumiri had unanimously ceded the traditional ruler’s stool to Odoru, being the most senior village.
The letter reads in parts, “With utmost humility and thanksgiving to the Almighty God for the creation and approval of new autonomous communities.
“The entire people of Odoru/Eburumiri in collaboration with the Development Union, Oha in council, village heads, stakeholders, leaders of thought and youths movement have unanimously resolved that the Igweship position should go according to village seniority.
“On this vain, the people of Eburumiri community ask Odoru community to produce traditional ruler based on seniority that will serve Odoru/Eburumiri community.
“The mutual agreement and understanding will help to stop further acrimony, violence, character assassination and underdevelopment in the community.
“Overriding public interest supersedes individual or personal interest.
They added that, “We heard that someone has been projected to take the position as the traditional ruler. We have come to tell the government that we don’t want Mr. Emmanuel Ezema as our Igwe.
“Sir, We have considered and unanimously adopted Chief Godwin Eze as the traditional ruler (Igwe) of Odoru/Eburumiri Nsukka Autonomous Community of Enugu State.
“Chief Eze has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the community than any other person.
“This is the kind of man the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi wants to be given such position to serve the people”.
Speaking further to the vice chairman of Nsukka LGA, Hon Cosmo Agbo, who stood in for the chairman of the council, the leader of the protesters, Mr. Anthony Attama, stated that “we are here because we heard that we were given an autonomous community.
“He has done a lot for our community. He built a health centre for our women to give birth in. He also brought electricity to our community. That is why we have come to let you people know that he is our choice.”
In his reaction, Hon Cosmo Agbo welcomed the protesters and commended them for the peaceful way they conducted themselves.
He assured them that nobody can impose himself on the people.
In his words, “I assure you that you that there is no place where the Igweship position is stolen. Even if it is possible, it will not happen in our administration.
“The traditional ruler rules the people and not spirits. So, you people should go back to your community and relax,” he said.
-Daily Post