Trouble is now brewing between the Isiokpo council of chiefs in the Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State and the Ikwerre Diocese of the Anglican communion over the refusal by the  church to allow the chiefs councils to conduct a valedictory service in honour of one of its departed member, Chief Smgles Chukwuigwe.

The Tide learnt that the body of the late Smgles Chukwuigwe whowas a member of the council of chiefs as well as an Anglican was not allowed to be taken to the council’s hall for a valedictory service.

The situation, The Tide learnt angered the chiefs who protested the action and described it as a slap on the face of the community.

Addressing newsmen on the situation, the chairman of the  Isiokpo councils of chiefs, Chief Wobodo Amadi. Blamed Bishop Blessing Enyindah for the development, stressing that the action has  degenerated the age long customs and tradition of the people of Isiokpo and the entire Ikwerre nation.

Chief Wobodo said that the valedictory ceremony which was always conducted in the chiefs hall is devoid of  fetishes and other satanic vices.

Also speaking, Chief Tasire Amadi condemned the  action of the bishop, stressing that Isiokpo was not the only place where chiefs paid their last respect to their departed colleagues.

He said that the bishop would have consulted the chiefs council before stopping the corpse from being taken to the chief council.

Chief Samuel Amadi, Matthew Aleru, Ikechi Wigwe and Moor Woka who also spoke on the same vein called for mutual respect between the church and the community in the interest of peaceful co-existence.

Reacting, the Bishop of the Ikwerre Diocese of the Anglican Church, Rt Rev Blessing Enyindah said the he only carried out the  agelong custom and tradition of the church.

Bishop Enyindah, however assured that the church would continue to work with the community for the peace and prosperity of the area.