Since the death of Nnamdi Kanu’s father, Eze I. O Kanu, the traditional ruler of Afaraukwu Ibeku community in Umuahia Abia State, efforts to get his replacement has thrown the people of the community into deep crisis.
Following this development, a high court of the state sitting in Umuahia has restrained Abia State Government from issuing staff of office to either of Chief Amaechi Ugweje or Anthony Chikwadoro Ndulaka.
This comes as one Sir Chukwuemeka Nwaobiala insists that he is the Eze-elect of the community and should be recognised as such.
Speaking with ABN TV on Thursday, Sir Chukwuemeka a retired assistant general manager in Union Homes Saving and Loans PLC said his desire to contribute to the development of his community led him to join in the race for the kingship of Isiama Afaraukwu Ibeku.
According to him, he has participated in the screening exercise which was announced by the traditional prime minister of the community, Chief Chimechefulam Odoemela. and also took part in an electoral process that took place in February this year.
He said he was elected at Union primary school which was witnessed by the traditional prime minister, Eze in Council, and other members of the community.
Sir Chukwuemeka Nwaobiala further alleged that some other persons later started laying claims that it is their turn to produce the next Eze, a claim he faulted.
He said the constitution excludes only the kindred were the last Eze came from producing his Successor, in this case, Etiti Nabu. Other kindreds in the community are entitled to participate in are Ndagbo, Mgboko, and, Umuobasi.
He accused Chief Amaechi Ugweje and Anthony Chikwadoro Ndulaka of not passing through the electoral process, wondering why they are parading themselves as Ezes-elect.
In the case of Chief Amaechi Ugweje, Sir Nwaobiala said the Isiama Afaraukwu constitution does not permit an indigene based overseas to be installed as the Egwu Ukwu (Eze) of the community.
He insists that he enjoys the support of the cabinet members of the former Eze, saying Chief Ugweje is not qualified to lead as the traditional ruler of the community.
He urged the state government to support the effort of the community to entrench peace by ensuring transparency in the process of selecting a new Eze, looking for someone that has the decorum and honour as the next egwu ukwu.
