S’East Monarchs To Okorocha, “we shall ask questions if anything happens to Ilomuanya”



Eze Cletus Ilomuanya

The seeming taciturn approach of Governor Rochas Okorocha towards complying with the Court of Appeal judgment which returned HRH Eze (Dr) Cletus Ilomuanya as Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, may have drawn the anger of traditional rulers from the South East Zone with the Monarchs warning that they will not only storm Owerri, the Imo State Capital in large numbers should anything untoward happen to Eze Ilomuanya but will also invoke the wrath of their ancestors on Ilomuanya’s perceived aggressors.



The South East monarchs while flaying the Imo State’s Government exhibition of contempt for a lawful order of the Court of Appeal by the non – vacation of the Council’s Secretariat by the illegal occupant foisted there by the governor, stated that Governor Okorocha should show respect for the traditional institution in Igboland, pointing out that as Chairman of South East Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Ilomuanya ῝ is a symbol of Igbo traditional institution and any attack on him is therefore, an attack on the entire traditional rulers in Igboland.’’



The monarchs who stormed Eze Ilomuanya’s Palace in Obinugwu, Orlu LGA, of Imo State over the weekend from across the South East Zone in a show of solidarity, together with the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Youth Organizations in the Zone, Political heavy weights and the clergy, restated that ῝ as far as we are concerned, Eze Ilomuanya remains the Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers whether anybody likes it or not.”



According to the Chairman of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers and 1st Vice Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers Council, Eze John Akaliro, ῝Eze Ilomuanya has been a unifying factor for monarchs in the South East. We will follow him all the way because he is a good leader”. Akaliro expressed dismay that all the efforts made by the South East Monarchs to have audience with Governor Okorocha were disrespectfully rebuffed, stressing that politicians should know that their reign is transient while the traditional institution remains forever. He said that they will no longer condone further attacks on Ilomuanya insisting that ῝ enough is enough”.



In their reactions, the Deputy Chairman of Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, Obi (Dr) Gibson Nwosu of Awka and Eze Obidiegwu Onyenso of Nri, beckoned on traditional rulers in Igboland to rise up against tyranny and the desecration of the traditional institution by some politicians. They argued that what is happening in Imo State is an abomination and should be condemned in totality before it spreads like a virus to other areas.



The Eze Uzu of Awka and Eze Nri averred that Ilomuanya is ῝a great Man and God’s gift to Igboland. We have seen the truth and only the truth can set us free.” The monarchs reiterated that “We will ask questions if anything happens to Ilomuanya because he is a man of the people. We shall not hesitate to invoke the wrath of our ancestors on the aggressors of Ilomuanya if they do not retreat”.



The Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe (Dr.) Osisi Itodo who spoke through Eze Ekene Ogbonna said “We are telling Imo people not to trifle with our Chairman. In the North, West or other climes in Nigeria, this cannot happen. It is only in Igboland” He warned that traditional rulers in South East cannot tolerate the charade prevalent in Imo State as it amounts to a disgrace on Igbo traditional institution.



Also speaking, Eze (Barr.) Anayo Durueburuo said that royal fathers in Imo State are pleased with the return of Ilomuanya because he has made a legacy that cannot be wiped away. According to Durueburuo, the anthem of the present Imo State government is anchored on a tripod – respect for rule of law, corruption free society and free education. He pleaded with Governor Okorocha to therefore keep to what he preaches, adding that the Imo State of Nigeria Traditional Rulers and Autonomous Communities Law No. 6 of 2006 (as amended) is clear and that there was no basis for the dissolution of the Council abnitio.



Apparently overwhelmed by the profuse out pouring of solidarity, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya said that God has a purpose for everything, adding that it was God’s wish that justice must prevail. “Whatever happened was an act of God and my victory is for the traditional institution”.



“Infact am surprised at what is happening. The Governor is my brother and friend. I only hope he sees reason with me. I will work harmoniously with him”, Ilomuanya reassured. Source: Crimefacts