A recent development in Imo State has seen members of the Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area express concern regarding the whereabouts of their traditional ruler, HRH Eze Ekwueme P Ekwueme. However, Professoralis Chukwudi Nwulu, a lecturer in the Department of Humanities at Imo State University, has deemed the method of protest employed by some community members as unreasonable.
Nwulu emphasized the importance of individuals’ rights to inquire about the whereabouts of their traditional leader but cautioned against resorting to protest, stating that more appropriate channels exist for such inquiries.
Nwulu highlighted that prior to the monarch’s departure abroad for health reasons, he had informed the Council of Chiefs and the Traditional Prime Minister of the Community, Chief B. Nwulu. Since the monarch’s absence, the Council of Chiefs and the Traditional Prime Minister have been convening regularly to address community matters and make decisions accordingly.
Nwulu suggested that community members seeking information or resolution on community issues should engage their representatives within the Council of Chiefs for clarification.
In response to allegations of embezzlement amounting to N220 million from an oil company intended for community development, community leaders challenged the oil company to provide evidence of any funds allocated for community development that were misappropriated.
Meanwhile, prior to resorting to the protest, community members had approached the Imo State House of Assembly to express their concerns regarding the traditional ruler’s prolonged absence from his duties, which they alleged to have lasted two years and six months.
Led by Mazi Aloysius Ogboka, the protesters conveyed their grievances to the leadership of the Imo State House, alleging that the traditional ruler had abandoned his responsibilities and relocated to America without providing clear reasons for his prolonged absence.
IMAGE: Channels
