Community Warns Against Imposition Of Ruler

The Egberemini Autonomous Community in Ezinihite LGA of Imo State, has urged the government to ensure that the traditional stool of the community is given to the right person to avoid possible break down of law and order.

A community leader, Chief Benneth Ikpeama gave the advice at the swearing-in- ceremony of the newly elected president–General of Egberemini People Assembly, Sir Pascal Ekelaka and members of his executive at Nwanwko Village Eziudo, recently.

In a statement, a community spokesman, Julius Ogba quoted the community leader as advising the state government to disregard the choice of the traditional ruler as made by Ohakim’s administration because according to him, he did not pass the screening  conducted by the community.

Chief Ikpeama wondered how someone who is in America and does not know the custom and tradition of the community can be allowed to be the traditional ruler of Egberemini Community.  He said the issue of Ezeship in the community can not be on a cash-and-carry basis, warning that if such trend was allowed into traditional administration of the community, it would likely result into crisis.

In an interview with newsmen, Sir Pascal Ekelaka thanked the community for giving them the opportunity to serve and promised to do their best in the service of the community.

The president-General also pledged to involve the youths, women and elders in running the affairs of the town-union, even as he plans to re-introduce the Egberemini-Day Celebration which has not taken place for quite sometime now due to the problem arising from the Ezeship crisis in the community.

He maintained that it is only the community that has the right to choose their traditional ruler, warning that any attempt to impose any person as their Eze would likely disrupt the peace of the community.

While pledging the community’s support and loyalty to Governor Rochas Okorocha administration, he said it was necessary for all to join the effort to guarantee the peace of the community and move it forward.

Beauty Abraham & Peace Iwejor