Confusion In Awka-Etiti As two Monarchs Emerge • Ojukwu Threatens To Drag Gov Obiano To Court

There is confusion in Awka-Etiti, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra state, over the emergence of two traditional rulers, Chuma Angus Ojukwu and Michael Chidozie Ezeudenna, who were  laying claims to the throne  of the community, Vanguard reports.

Igwe Ojukwu’s coronation held on November 5, while Ezeudenna, who had fixed his coronation for December 23 was allegedly issued certificate of recognition at the Government Lodge, Awka, by Governor Willie Obiano ahead of his (Ezeudenna) coronation.

Ojukwu, who spoke to Vanguard, accused the governor of tearing Awka-Etiti apart by issuing a certificate to Ezeudenna who was not  crowned by any Ozo-titled man as was the custom of the community. He said:

“Astonishingly, Ezeudenna is claiming that he was coronated on Afia-Oru masquerade day, which is against the custom and tradition of the community.

“Besides, if he claims he was crowned, the question is, was he crowned with the 59-year-old crown, sword of war, staff of office and over 300-year-old Ofor Awka-Etiti, which l was crowned with? The answer is no.”

Ojukwu said he had gone to the governor on October 31 with a letter to intimate him of his coronation fixed for November 5, which he acknowledged receipt of and still went ahead to issue a certificate of recognition to Ezeudenna.

He added that Obiano said the issuance of the certificate was in line with the 2004 constitution of the town union of the community, but that was being challenged at the Ogidi High Court at present. He said:

“I was surprised that the governor detailed security men, led by the Commissioner of Police, to disrupt the celebration that followed my coronation.”

Ojukwu threatened to drag the governor to court to ensure that the he was declared the authentic traditional ruler of Awka-Etiti. He said the people of the community and the regent-in-council, comprising 20 people, were behind him.

Source: Vanguard