Following the approval for the official reinstatement of His Royal Highness, Eze (Dr) Cletus Ikechukwu Ilomuanya (CON), Obi of Obinugwu as the Traditional Ruler of Obinugwu Autonomous Community in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, by Governor Emeka Ihedioha Thursday evening in Owerri, reports of jubilations have emerged from the community. Jubilant youths, elders and children were seen Thursday evening in groups within the community discussing and analysing the development with enthusiasms written all over their faces. Though efforts to get the views of now deposed Mr. Stanley Nwangwu failed at press time as an aide confided in Business Hilights that he has not been around for long.
Business Hilights South East Bureau chief recalls that Eze Ilomunaya was removed from office by former Governor Rochas Okorocha in a controversial circumstance and instituted one Stanley Nwangwu, who was roundly rejected by majority of the community some years ago, but the digital monarch went to court beating the State government from High Court to Supreme.
However, former Governor Okorocha flouted even the Supreme Court order and sat on the judgement till he left office.
Analysts, who reviewed the development, hailed the state government for toeing the part of rule of law by simply implementing the decision of several competent courts of jurisdiction on his reinstatement.
In a telephone interview with the publisher of Business Hilights, Prince Stan Okenwa, the elated monarch confrimed receipt of the reinstatment letter and urged Obinugwu indigenes home and abroad to remain calm.
Also speaking in another telephone interview, veteran journalist and Eze Ilomunaya’s Media Assistant, Mr Kennedy Eweama, described the development as victory for rule of law and revealed that the monarch will formally issue a press statement on his reinstatment over the weekend.
Recall that a statement issued by the State Government and made available to our correspondent via the Chief Press Secretary in Owerri, the state capital, explained that “The recall is sequel to the discontinuance of the matter in court and requisite legal advice”.
“His Excellency, in his avowed commitment to rule of law and due process, also took cognizance of representations by the people of Obinugwu.
The statement concluded that “His recall takes effect immediately.”
Business Hilights Chief State Correspondent gathered that there had been pressure from several civil societies on Governor Ihedioha to reinstate Eze Ilomuanya. Top among the pressing groups included the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths Council, OYC, which backed the Imo Council of Elders over their appeal for the reinstatement of His Royal Majesty, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya as a monarch in the State.
On Friday, August 30, 2019, OYC reechoed the now answered clarion call on the governor, through its Secretary-General, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike in a statement issued to journalists in Enugu.
