Says:Ilomuanaya remains factor in deciding next Eze Imo
A revered Traditional ruler and academic, HRH Eze Egwuogu Bonny Ikenna (Ph.D), has bared his mind on the contentious position of Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, also known as Eze Imo under Owelle Rochas Okorocha’s administration.
Speaking to newsmen in Owerri, recently,the Igwe Ohazurume stated that the Eze Imo position is not for sale. He described the position as a sensitive and important one and decried the desperation exhibited by some Imo monarchs who want the position, at all cost even when they lack the capacity to mobilize and manage the royal fathers.
He acknowledge that the tenure of Eze Agunwa Ohiri has elapsed and pointed out that the appointment of another Eze Imo must follow due process and in line with the extant laws of the institution. Speaking further, the first class Monarch hinted on the need to consider the litigation around the position and deploy ways to assuage frayed nerves. He particularly mentioned Eze Cletus Illomunaya who he said got a valid judgement which has not been attended to or implemented by the state government.
Eze Egwuogu urged all the parties to be cautious,not to ridicule the Traditional institution for selfish reasons, saying that even though he is not a lawyer, he understands the consequences of disregarding a valid court judgement. He appealed that in addressing the lock jam, the Governor should consider the Eze Ilomuanya’s factor, otherwise, it will be deemed to have meted injustice against the Obi of Obinugwu, who Okorocha deposed and flagrantly abused all legal verdicts to reinstate him.
Speaking further, Eze Egwuogu stated that another factor to be considered on who becomes next Eze Imo is zoning. He said that the tradition in Imo has always been that the Eze Imo does not come from any zone the Governor hails from
He also expressed displeasure over how some Imo monarchs carry themselves, insisting that monarchs should at all time live above board and dignify the position they occupy.
