Residents of Umuowa autonomous community in Imo State staged a protest against their monarch, Eze Magnus Duruigbo, accusing him of various forms of misconduct, including embezzlement and the sale of community property. The protesters, numbering over 1,000, voiced their grievances through placards and demonstrations at the Eze-Imo palace. They demanded the release of allegedly sold shops and funds, as well as the suspension and investigation of Eze Duruigbo by the Imo State government.
Chairman of Imo State Traditional Rulers Councils, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, assured the protesters that their concerns would be addressed through official channels, urging them to refrain from taking unlawful actions. He pledged to summon the accused traditional ruler to address the allegations. Additionally, the Special Adviser to the governor on Land Recovery, Paschal Dumdum, promised to ensure the return of community-owned properties from the traditional ruler’s possession, emphasizing the government’s stance against the misuse of public assets.
Mr. Dumdum reiterated the government’s stance against any form of fraud or misuse of public property, stating that disciplinary actions would be taken against offenders, regardless of their status. Chief Ben Ononiwu, the Eze-elect of Isiowa autonomous community, echoed the protesters’ sentiments, citing multiple grievances against Eze Duruigbo’s leadership style.
He highlighted the monarch’s refusal to collaborate with community-elected officials and his unilateral decision-making, which negatively impacted the community’s welfare.
IMAGE: Channels
