The recent controversy surrounding HRH Eze Josiah N. Osuji and his stands in the traditional leadership of Obi Mbieri Autonomous Community has raised several questions. At the center of the dispute is Eze Josiah Nzeremibe Osuji, whose alleged involvement has sparked debate.
Surprisingly, Eze Josiah Osuji’s silence on the matter has fueled speculation. If he is indeed incapable of speaking his wish or if the pundits are speaking his mind, why hasn’t he publicly spoken out on the issue? The facts surrounding the controversy are clear:
1. Prof. Kyrian Ndikom (TPM) was approached by the miscreants at the palace, to adopt a hereditary system in the community in favor of the Eze’s sons through constitutional amendment.
2. The traditional prime minister (TPM) who is embodying the Eze in his absence as an exclusive and expressed wish of the Eze refused their offer, citing the community’s rotational mode of selection and the interest of community peace.
3. The refusal sparked tension with the miscreants at the palace who were used to ferment trouble in the community with the sole aim of removing the authentic Traditional Prime Minister.
Given the complexity of the issue, it’s logical to suggest that the Obi Mbieri Autonomous Community quagmire be left to the Eze’s in the Mbieri Supreme Council to adjudicate. They possess intimate knowledge of the community’s customs and traditions.
The absence and profound silence of the traditional ruler, Eze Josiah N. Osuji has exacerbated the situation. It is imperative that stakeholders in the Mbieri kingdom prioritize peace and stability.
This matter has been brought to the attention of relevant authorities, including the office of the AIG zone 9 Umuahia, The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, and others, to ensure a peaceful resolution and they did. The standing Federal High Court judgement in favor of the TPM should be allowed to serve its value for the purposes of peace and unity. Understandably, irrespective of his continued absence from the Obi Mbieri Community for more than 4 years, Obi Mbieri people are not agitating for his replacement and no one else in the Obi Mbieri Community is interested in the Ezeship except the Eze’s son. Some people in the Obi Mbieri community are continuing to ask the Eze’s son’s to be patient with the throne and allow God to do his wish. Information reaching us states that in December 2023, the Eze’s son went and mount on the Eze’s throne while the Eze is still alive even when he was advised on the contrary. It was assumed that he was ill advised by some Eze’s outside the Mbieri kingdom. Our opinion is that the Eze’s family should be patient and allow the status quo set forth by their father, the King to remain unchanged even if the king is indisposed.
Signed:
Chief Jeto Nwadi
