Just in: Royal fathers, Nigerians pour encomiums on Ihedioha over Eze Ilomuanya
…Etsu Nupe, Dakaro, Ekweremadu, Uwazuruike, others welcome reinstatement
More eminent Nigerians have continued to react to last week’s reinstatement of HRM, Eze (Dr.) Cletus Ilomuanya (CON), as the Obi of Obinugwu kingdom in Imo State, by Governor Emeka Ihedioha.
Recall that Business Hilights had on Friday last week broke the news following a terse statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, indicating immediate reinstatement as the substantive monarch of Obinugwu community in Orlu Local Government Area of the state.
Since weekend, it has been floods of encomiums from well-meaning Nigerians from all walks of life, who averred that the reinstatement of the Chairman, Igbo Traditional Rulers Forum and Chancellor, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Eze (Dr.) Cletus Ilomuanya, was a victory for rule of law and a demonstration Ihedioha’s readiness to right the wrongs perpetrated by former governor Rochas Okorocha.
In his first official response, fulfilled Eze Ilomuanya told our Imo State Correspondent that Governor Emeka Ihedioha has shown remarkable departure from anti-democratic tendencies. He thanked Ihedioha for upholding the rule of law and the unanimous wish of Obinugwu people, pointing out that his reinstatement as the traditional ruler of the community is in conformity with the expectations of not only Imo people, but Nigerians as a whole.
Eze Ilomuanya assured the governor of his total support, stressing that Governor Ihedioha has shown capacity and commitment towards sanitizing the Imo traditional institution and restoring its lost dignity, bastardization and desecration during Okorocha’s administration.
On the flow of Reaction trailing the development, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional, HRH, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, described the development as healthy for the traditional institution in Imo State.
According to HRM, King (Dr.) Edmund Dakoro, the Amanayabo of Nembe and Chairman, South-South Monarchs Forum, Governor Ihedioha has by his actions, proven that he believes in truth and rule of law. Dakoro assured Ihedioha that “God shall always protect you and give you wisdom to govern Imo People”.
Former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu also expressed happiness over the governor’s action, noting that all glory goes to God.
In the same vein, leader of the Biafran Independent Movement (BIM) and Ijele Ndigbo, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, described Eze Ilomuanya as a primus inter pares in Igbo Traditional Institution. He said Ihedioha’s action is indicative that the governor is a believer in justice and rule of law. “Indeed, I am exceedingly happy because of this. I am proud of the governor”, he stated.
Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH, Eze Nwabekee and Eze Nwokonna also from Abia, in their respective reactions, said that Imo is blessed to have Ihedioha as governor. According to Nwabekee “this is a right action by the governor”, while Nwokonna averred that he is delighted by the governor’s goodwill, adding that “Eze Ilomuanya is our natural leader”.
Speaking on behalf of their colleagues in Imo, HRH, Eze (Engr) Ben Nwaneri and Eze (Barr) Anayo Durueburuo of Owubinubi in Ikeduru LGA and Okwuodor, Njaba LGA respectively, expressed immense gratitude to Governor Ihedioha for the reinstatement of Eze Ilomuanya, whom they described as their as their “lawfully recognized Chairman, ”
They said that traditional rulers in the State are very pleased with the governor whom they said is a democrat, who has shown capacity and determination to restore the dignity of the traditional institution in Imo State.
Senator Ben Obi also posited that Ihedioha’s reinstatement of Eze Ilomuanya as the Obinugwu Monarch was a welcome development in Igboland, adding that “it is the first step to the main”, while Prof. Nnamdi Obiareri, in congratulating the monarch, implored the governor to complete the process, insisting that “the next is the chairmanship”.
Rev. Fr. Sylva Ibe of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Obinugwu, also appealed to Ihedioha to ensure that complete justice is done. While commending the governor, the Catholic Priest stated that “we are still expecting the Governor to do the needful as regards Eze Ilomuanya’s position as Chairman of Ndi-Eze in Imo State”. Another Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Ngoka congratulated Eze Ilomuanya on his reinstatement to the Obinugwu Ezeship throne, pointing out that the governor’s commendable action was the first step towards the monarch’s full reinstatement “as God is on His throne”. Rev Canon Iwueke of St Andrews Anglican Church, Obinugwu, also appealed to Governor Ihedioha, to complete the restoration process by reinstating Eze Ilomuanya as the Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers in line with several court judgments including the Supreme Court.
A statement issued by Media Adviser to the monarch, Mr Kennedy Eweama, revealed that more encomiums are still pouring on the governor’s action and other leadership milestones so far displayed by the current administration in the state.
