SPECIAL REPORT: Tension in Ebonyi Community Over Alleged Plot to Impose Monarch in Afikpo
By Judex OKORO
Residents of Ohaisu community in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State are gripped by fear and tension over allegations that some government officials are plotting to impose a traditional ruler on the community.
Investigations by The Beagle News revealed a serious rift between the Ohaisu Traditional Council of Elders and aides of Governor Francis Nwifuru regarding the selection of the next Ezeogo of Ohaisu Autonomous Community.
The Traditional Council of Elders, comprised of the Ekpukeessa and Etos, insist that the next Ezeogo Isuoha II must be selected according to the Traditional Rulers and Autonomous Communities Law of 1999 (Law 34) and the Constitution of Ohaisu Autonomous Community dated May 4, 1999. Meanwhile, a group of elders allegedly aligned with government officials argues that population size should determine which village produces the next monarch.
Sources say the faction supporting the population criterion is linked to one of the contestants, whose wife currently serves as Head of Service in Ebonyi State. The Traditional Council argues that they are the custodians of Ohaisu’s traditions and are committed to preserving them.
Since the creation of Ohaisu Autonomous Community in 2000, the first Ezeogo, Isuoha I, was selected in April 2001. Following his demise, the Council has worked to ensure that the selection of Isuoha II adheres strictly to existing laws and community constitution.
Electoral Committee Moves
The Elders-in-Council set up an Ezeogo Electoral Committee, led by Chief Godwin Ogbonnia Isu with Chief Ewa Ifeanyichukwu Madukaibe as secretary. The committee invited three candidates to contest: Dr. Okoro Francis Ekuma (Amangballa village), Arc. Gabriel Egwu Ude (Amachi village), and Mr. Patrick Idam Isu (Ngodo village).
However, tensions escalated after some members from Amangballa village petitioned the local government to adopt population as the criterion for determining the next Ezeogo. The local government chairman, Mr. Timothy Nwachi, temporarily suspended the selection process but later resumed it after the petitioners withdrew their letter.
In a petition to Governor Nwifuru, Elders Ichie Innocent Akpunwoke and Ichie Patrick Ologwu Eluu accused Chief Hyacinth Ekuma Ikpor and Hon. Raphael Okoronkwo, Coordinator of Afikpo North, of plotting to hijack the process using their government influence. They urged the governor to ensure that the selection follows the law.
Government Response
Responding, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Stephen Igwe, said, “I have advised all parties to follow the law. Government is not interfering. My focus is ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining law and order.”
Chief Hyacinth Ikpor of the South East Development Commission emphasized, “The law stipulates procedures for selecting Ezeogo. Population and seniority should guide the process. Dr. Francis Okoro Ekuma has the right to contest, and government involvement is irrelevant.”
Coordinator Afikpo North, Hon. Raphael Okoronkwo, added, “I am impartial and have only advised adherence to the law. Disputes over zonal rotation are part of the contention, but the Elders should resolve them according to tradition.”
Stakeholders Voice Concerns
The Afikpo Patriotic Front, led by Chief Nnabuike Nnachi, decried the alleged plot to impose a ruler. They urged Governor Nwifuru to ensure no government officials interfere in traditional matters, warning that the community is ready to defend its cultural heritage.
THE BEAGLES NEWS
