Obibi-Uratta Ezeship: Uwaleke Describes Dethronement News As Baseless

Dan Opara

• ‘Am now Traditional Ruler of Obibi-Uratta, says Ariri

On Tuesday, Feb.8th 2022, following the news spreading on the media for the past days concerning the removal (dethronement) of the Traditional Ruler of Obibi-Uratta Owerri North by the government of Imo State,  Governor Hope Uzodinma, the supposed embattled monarch, HRH Eze Prof.Amaobi Uwaleke, has described the news as baseless.

According to Uwaleke, “The news, flying against my throne were unfounded and falsehoods paraded by some disgruntled elements from his kingdom who does not have the interests of his community at heart”.

“Gov.Uzodinma didn’t remove me. I am the Traditional Ruler of Obibi-Uratta Owerri North LGA Imo State, my staff of office and letter of recognition given to me from the government is intact as the Traditional Ruler;

I was never removed. The general public and the people of Imo State should please disregard such rumors from the pit of hell. The ugly news as parading are the handiworks of my detractors in my community who do not want peace to reign in my kingdom”, Uwaleke stated.

“I was duly confirmed as the Traditional Ruler of Obibi-Uratta by the government of Imo State since 2018. I went through due process. Certificate of Coronation was bestowed upon me by the kingmakers (Ndi-Oha Uratta), and the government recognized my throne as a monarch”, Prof.Uwaleke.

While speaking, Uwaleke, who spoke as the Eze-Udo IV of Obibi-Uratta Autonomous Community Owerri North accused some disgruntled elements and heaters of peace and progress of Obibi Uratta of sponsoring evil but called on the public to shun such rumors.

“Uwaleke revealed that he was crowned and installed by the Oha-Uratta Supreme Council and at Orie Uratta Market Square where Ezes of Uratta are by Uratta tradition crowned by Oha Uratta”.

The embattled Eze categorically disclosed that no one becomes an ‘Eze’ in Uratta without being crowned by the Oha-Uratta Supreme Council at Orie Uratta Market Square.

He, however, described the news and all the activities that brought one Sir. Boniface Ariri, as the Traditional Ruler as a sham.

‘I have nothing more to say until when I see his Letter of Recognition as an Eze by the government”, Uwaleke maintained.

Meanwhile, the newly elevated Traditional Ruler of Obibi-Uratta, Sir. Boniface Ariri, KSJI, in his reaction, expressed satisfaction with heights of jubilation so far recorded by his people who trooped out enmasse to receive his triumphal entering from the government house recently.

According to Sir.Ariri, “I was issued with my Staff of Office on Feb.4th, 2022 by the government of Imo State as the Traditional Ruler of Obibi-Uratta”.

“Uwaleke was never a Traditional Ruler. He came through the back door. He didn’t go through any election but I went through an election. I was elected by some responsible persons from the four (4) villages in Obibi-Uratta”, Sir.Ariri fingered.

“I was duly elected by the people of Obibi-Uratta with visible documents where I won with massive votes of over 1000. I am happy that the government has given me a Staff of Office. And my Certificate of Recognition is readily available to be collected soon and I shall receive it”, Ariri boasted.

“Uwaleke is now drowning. He has no stand because he forcefully crowned himself as an Eze. When our Traditional Ruler died, we are supposed to mourn his demise for a period of (1) one year, but Mr.Amaobi disobeyed the mandate of the land and enthroned himself as a monarch in less than (2) two months, which was against the authority of the community”, Ariri submitted.

“As you can see, the people of Obibi-Uratta are happy and excited. We thanked God for the removal of the Uwaleke. I am now the Traditional Ruler of Obibi-Uratta Owerri North”, Ariri

“Ariri, therefore, called on the law-abiding people of Obibi Uratta to remain calm, peaceful, loving, and obedient citizens.