Nzeobi Stool Still Intact, Eze Amuda Tells Trouble Makers

As reactions continue to trail the reported coronation of Prince Charles Chukwuemeka Pius Ifejiako Omurujia as the new Nzeobi of Egbema in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Eze Evarestus Ginikanwa Amuda, the incumbent Nzeobi Egbema (paramount ruler) of Egbema kingdom has described the purported coronation of Omurujia as laughable, childish, baseless and an exercise in futility.

Reacting to the purported coronation, Eze Amuda said Egbema tradition, culture and custom were paramount as no individual or group had the sole responsibility of crowning anybody without following due process of succession to the throne whenever the position was vacant.

Eze Amuda therefore wondered how a new Nzeobi can emerge when the incumbent still exists.

The paramount ruler traced the history of past occupants of the reverred Nzeobi stool since 1958 till date, noting that the Egbema custom and rites were usually followed in all the cases.

He further noted that the legitimization of the chieftaincy institution in Egbema kingdom was a sacred one which had been rotated amongst three communities (Mgbede, Okwuzi and Aggah) in Rivers State.

Eze Amuda said that Egbema people unanimously resolved that the stool should rotate among the three communities, a resolution which was further legitimised by a court of competent  jurisdiction.

He affirmed that he was declared the Nzeobi of Egbema after a keenly contested election between him, Comrade Benjamin Odinwa and Nze Anthony Nzeire after a thorough screening by the electoral body.

He further asserted that the Egbema Council of Village Heads numbering 27 chiefs wrote to the then governor of Rivers State on September 17, 2002 (Ref No ECVH/Vol 1/010/002 demanding the recognition and gazetting of Eze Amuda as the paramount ruler of Egbema kingdom.

It will be recalled that Eze Amuda was formally crowned as the Nzeobi of Egbema by the entire Egbema people on November 17, 2002 and on December 9, 2002 a letter Ref ECC/021/IVE/GIM/02 was written by Egbema Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs praying Rivers State government to issue a recognition certificate and gazette same.

The royal father therefore warned trouble makers to steer clear from politicizing the Nzeobi stool, pointing out that the wrath of the gods of the land would surely descend on those out to ridicule the Nzeobi kingship.

He also admonished Prince Omurujia, his cohorts and privies to stop planting seeds of discord and causing disaffection among Egbema people who now enjoy relative peace and order following the intervention of all stakeholders.