Dan Opara
Sequel to series of radio and newspaper announcements made by the Government of Chief Emeka Ihedioha,stopping the Traditional Ruler of Obibi Uratta Autonomous Community in Owerri North LGA,Imo State,HRM Eze Prof.Amaobi Uwaleke,for him not to embark on the celebration of his one year anniversary on the throne as traditional ruler, alleging that he is not officially recognized by the govt.
The rugged Royal Father, Prof.Uwaleke who stood his ground last Saturday, Nov.2nd 2019, went ahead to celebrate his first anniversary amidst chieftaincy titles he conferred on some illustrious sons of the state and those from across the state.
The Traditional Ruler, Prof. Uwaleke, who took the bull by the horn in his welcome address, thanked God Almighty for keeping him, his family members and his entire subjects in his kingdom alive,strong, healthy to witness the first year of his reign as the Traditional Ruler of Obibi Uratta Autonomous Community in Owerri North LGA,Imo State.
The Royal Father, while speaking, accused all his enemies from far and near of hate speeches, evil plans, and distractions, but disclosed that he would never be deterred or be afraid of anybody,or group of persons, nor the govt. of the day who are trying to pull him down.
He noted that he was duly elected by his people and was also recognized by the govt. of Imo State, under the power of the immediate past Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, who gave him the staff of office, certificate of recognition and letter of approval as the authentic Traditional Ruler in the State.
“I am a divine king anointed by God. I have vision, passion and plans to protect my people. My kingdom and all that dwells in my land. I am poised to ensure lasting peace and tranquility. I am ever ready to serve as a servant-leader, to protect the lives and properties of the people of Obibi Uratta. Nobody, no Jupiter nor any govt.appointee has the right or power to make another person King of Obibi Uratta under my rulership”, he submitted.
Eze Uwaleke, therefore restated that he was duly elected and gave recognition by the govt.to reign as a supreme king.
” I am for peace and justice. I am only happy that I am a progressive. The State Secretary to the Govt.of Imo State, Hon. Uche Onyeaguocha has no power to make anybody a Traditional Ruler. The SSG can’t make anyone a Traditional Ruler. He has no right also to dethrone anyone”, Prof. Uwaleke disclosed.
Highlights of his first anniversary ceremony were the official conferment of chieftaincy titles to some respected individuals in Imo State and outside the state.
Some of those chieftaincy awardees includes:” Chief & Lolo Sara Ugo, from Umudagu Autonomous Community in Mbaitoli LGA, Imo State, as Udo-Umuogbenye I of Obibi Uratta., Chief & Lolo Alexander Nnamdi Uche, also from Mbaitoli LGA, as Ohamadike I of Obibi Uratta., Chief & Lolo Chidi Ajayi, as Dikembe I of Obibi Uratta, others are Hon. Chief Iyke Okeigboananwa, from Orji Uratta Owerri North, Chief John Orjiako, Chief Mike Okiro, Chief Uche Nwosu, and the Imo State Deputy Governor, Hon.Chief Engr.Gerald Irona, amongst others too numerous to mention.
Meanwhile, the immediate past Transition Committee Chairman of Owerri North LGA, Hon. Kelechi Offurum, in his words concerning the anniversary, described Prof.Uwaleke as a fake Traditional Ruler, who illegally acquired his recognition,without the general support of Obibi Uratta people.
“I am not blaming him (Uwaleke) rather I am putting all the blames on the govt. of Chief Emeka Ihedioha, for his incompetence and his inability to stop the purported Traditional Ruler in his unaccepted ceremony after when over three (3) warning letters was officially written stopping him for going ahead. I am saying that Gov. Ihedioha’s govt. has failed”, he lamented.
“By allowing Prof.Amaobi to get his way out, the govt. of Ihedioha has failed woefully. They have failed the people. Even in the face of the community crisis in Obibi Uratta land over the unpopular and purported Traditional Ruler, the govt. Ihedioha was unable to stop him. I am very ashamed of the State Governor, Ihedioha, for allowing the illegal Royal Father to be parading himself. I am very disappointed with the incompetence of the govt. of the day. It means they do not have the power to govern Imo State. Which means, the govt. wants us in the community to kill ourselves with cutlasses and guns”, the former LGA Boss decried.
“In physical combat, I can fight Prof.Amaobi, but I want the State Govt.to to follow the law. Uwaleke is not a Traditional Ruler. He is an imposter. Because, we are peacemakers, we do not want war. We do not believe in killing rather we believe in justice”, Hon.Offer submitted.
He, therefore, alleged that the govt. of the day in Imo State have made Prof. Uwaleke a “demi-god” by allowing him to conquer their unfruitful stop order.
“But my advice and massage to Obibi Uratta people are for them to remain calm, peaceful, law-abiding and watch as the days go on. Governor Ihedioha has failed us. We are not violent individuals but we are watching with keen interest. We earlier expected the govt. of the day to stop the purported first-anniversary ceremony but they failed”, he submitted.
