Trouble Brews In Rivers Community Over Chieftaincy Coronation

Some members of Eria family of Rumuomoi Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State have rejected the installation of one Hon. Lawrence Chinwo as the paramount ruler of the community.
Former Chairman, Community Development Committee (CDC), Rumuomoi, Comrade Kingsley C. Okabie told The Tide in an interview that the installation of Lawrence Chinwo as the Nyenweli of Rumuomoi was a desecration of the culture and tradition of the community.
He said that he was selected by the entire community as their paramount ruler but was rejected by the Ekinigbo council of chiefs and as well as the Apara council of chiefs.
In a petition he made available to The Tide, the former CDC chairman alleged that “on the 24th of November, 2021 at a gathering that dragged into late evening, the Rumuomoi people chose comrade Kingsley C. Okabie as the new paramount ruler.
“That evening, there was celebration at the play ground till late in the night”.
Okabie, however, said his nomination by the Rumuomoi people was rejected by the Ekinigbo council of chiefs and the Apara council of chiefs which settled for Lawrence Chinwo.
He said Lawrence Chinwo cannot become the paramount ruler since he and Goodluck Chinwo the Owhor holder of the community are from the same mother.
The former CDC chairman urged the government and the security agencies to intervene to save the community from impending crisis.
He also threatened to go to court if the situation is not reversed.
Also speaking, Mr Victor Daniel, a member of Eria family said the community will not accept Lawrence Chinwo as their new paramount ruler.
He said the family decided to go to court to right the wrong committed against it.
However, on his reaction Chairman of Eria Royal family, Rumuomoi, Eze (Dr) Gabriel Chinwo denied that the community chose the former CDC Chairman as its paramount ruler.
Chinwo also dismissed as false allegation the coronation of Lawrence Chinwo, describing it as an abomination, adding that there was no such tradition in Ikwerreland.
He said that the decision of the Apara Council of Chiefs is final, warning that anybody planning to cause trouble in the community will be reported to the security agencies.

By: John Bibor