Mavis Opara
Tension is rising in Umuojisi Autonomous Community, Ideato South LGA, as indigenes have rejected moves to install Mr. Chinedu Uzoukwu as Eze, demanding instead that Uchenna Nwachukwu be recognized as the rightful traditional ruler.
The aggrieved residents, including women, youths and the Umuada, staged a peaceful march to press home their demand. They urged the Imo State Government to stop the planned coronation, arguing that it violates both community tradition and a case currently before the court.
Carrying placards that read “No To Imposition,” “Respect Our Custom,” and “Let The Court Decide,” the protesters first gathered at Government House before proceeding to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs along Port Harcourt Road.
According to leaders of the protest, several appeals and petitions submitted by the Eze-in-Council have not yielded results, raising fears that the dispute could degenerate.
Chief Donatus Irokansi, who spoke for the group, said the community wants peace and not confrontation.
“This throne has been passed down from father to son. The issue is in court, so government should wait for judgment before taking any step like issuing a Staff of Office,” he stated.
Youth representative, Mr. Friday Ihabotu, warned that forcing a ruler on the people could spark unrest.
“Umuojisi is peaceful. We already have someone who should be on the throne — Uchenna Nwachukwu. What is happening now is what is causing the problem,” he said.
The Women’s Wing Chairperson, Mrs. Elizabeth Eze, insisted that Mr. Uzoukwu does not belong to the royal family and has no claim to the stool.
“Kingship in Umuojisi is hereditary. The late Eze Ernest Nwachukwu ruled until 2020. His son, Uchenna, is the one the people recognize,” she explained.
Another indigene, Mr. Onyewuchukwu Awosu, alleged that the Staff of Office was secured through the wrong channel.
“If it is about influence or wealth, we have other capable sons. But tradition must be respected. The Nwachukwu family is the rightful line,” he added.
In response, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Rubby Emele, called for calm and promised that government would examine the matter properly.
The HOD, Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Collins Nkwocha, also advised the community to maintain peace, noting that procedures exist for handling traditional stool disputes that are in court.
Efforts to get comments from the other side were not successful at the time of this report.
