Imo commissioner calls for calm as community protest imposition of monarch

The Imo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rubby Emele, has appealed to the people of Umuojisi Autonomous Community in Ideato South Local Government Area to maintain calm following protests over the alleged attempt to install Chinedu Uzoukwu as their Eze. This appeal came after the community staged a protest at Emele's office, demanding that the installation of Uzoukwu be halted.

Protests were led by various community leaders, including Chief Donatus Irokansi, who argued that the installation process violates the community's traditional norms and could jeopardize ongoing court proceedings. Irokansi stated that the Eze-in-Council had submitted multiple appeals and petitions, but their efforts had been unsuccessful, raising concerns that the dispute might escalate.

The community youth representative, Mr. Friday Ihabotu, warned that imposing a ruler on the people could lead to social unrest, emphasizing that the rightful candidate is Uchenna Nwachukwu. The Women’s Wing Chairperson, Mrs. Elizabeth Eze, highlighted that Uzoukwu is not part of the Royal family and lacks any claim to the throne, adding that kingship in Umuojisi is hereditary and that Uchenna Nwachukwu is the person recognized by the community.

Another community member, Onyewuchukwu Nwosu, criticized the use of the Staff of Office, arguing that succession should be based on tradition, not wealth. In response to the protests, Emele urged the protesters to remain law-abiding and to avoid actions that could heighten tensions in the community.