Rivers
Community Seeks Recognition Of Stool
The people of Rumuwoji Community in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State are calling for the reclassification of the Eze Obomotu Stool.
The people said this during the coronation of Eze Emmanuel Olu Ntiwoji as the Eze Obomotu IX.
According to a document made available to newsmen during the coronation ceremony, Eze Obomotu has jurisdiction over Port Harcourt Main City, Rumuwoji Mgbundukwu and Rumusele villages.
They also said the Obomotu stool was recognised by the former Eastern Nigerian Government and as at then, Eze Obomutu was a member of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen, Nyenweli Rumuwoji, Chief Christian Chuku who crowned Eze Ntiwoji said the Obomotu stool existed from time immemorial and wondered why Rivers State Government had not gazetted it.
He said he and the new Eze Obomotu will work together for the development of Rumuwoji village, adding that there will be peace in the community.
Chief Chuku commended the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for his numerous developmental projects in Rumuwoji Community, stressing that the ultra-modern market built by the Governor in Rumuwoji Community has improved the economic conditions of the people.
Also speaking, Elder Emmanuel Wigodo said the stool of Eze Obomotu had been vacant for the past 33 years, adding that the situation has made the Nyenweli to take charge of the affairs of Rumuwoji Community.
Elder Wigodo said the emergence of Eze Emmanuel Olu Ntiwoji as the Eze/paramount ruler of the Obomotu Kingdom was welcomed by the people.
He also called on the government to classify the stool to enable the kingdom take its rightful place in the scheme of things.
Earlier, the newly crowned Eze Obomotu IX, Eze Emmanuel Olu Ntiwoji said he would promote peaceful coexistence among the various people living within its area of jurisdiction.
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PR Professionals Must Rebuild Public Trust – Eze Gbakagbaka

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor
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