“Your disrespect for the traditional institution is unfortunate” – South-East monarchs tell Okorocha

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has been berated for exhibiting disregard and contempt for the rule of law with a warning that he ‘’should save Imo state from judicial embarrassment’’ by his conducts.

The traditional rulers from the South-South geopolitical zone who gave this admonition, also advised the governor to ‘’stop playing hide and seek politics with the reinstatement of HRH Eze, Dr. Cletus Ilomuanya as chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers in line with the Court of Appeal judgment of July 5, 2013’’.

A statement on Saturday signed by Kennedy Eweama, Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Imo State and South East Councils of Traditional Rulers, expressed the Monarch’s displeasure that despite professing obedience to the rule of law and justice, Okorocha has proved himself to be acting on the contrary, adding that a governor should live by his words, honour and dignity.

Speaking at the 2013 new yam festival at the palace of the Obi of Obinugwu and chairman, Imo State and South East Councils of Traditional Rulers, Eze (Dr) Cletus Ilomuanya, the South-South Traditional Rulers Forum averred that Okorocha’s disrespect for the traditional institution was unfortunate.

According to the Secretary General of the Monarchs’ Forum, HRM, Alhaji Aliyu Danesi, the Aidonogie of South- Ibie kingdom in Edo state, “we are disappointed that instead of the Imo state governor to obey the court judgment, save Imo from judicial embarrassment and show some respect to the traditional institution, he has been busy playing hide and seek politics with the law and traditional institution for over a month now.”

Alhaji Danesi who was accompanied by HRM King Dandeson Douglas Jaja of Opobo kingdom, HRM King G.A. Lawson, the Obanobham of Emeya in Bayelsa State, HRM Ikhumha –Onogie of Ewatto kingdom, the representative of Oba of Benin, who is also the Chief Priest of Benin Kingdom, Chief Nosa Isekhure amongst others, cautioned Okorocha “against mistaking the maturity of the traditional rulers for fear or weakness because an injury to one is injury to all.”

The South-South Monarchs described Eze Ilomuanya as a bridge builder, pointing out that his leadership qualities is not by accident but a gift from God which they said was “an advantage to the traditional institutions in the south-South and South East geo-political zones”.

In his remark on behalf of the South East Traditional Rulers, the 2nd Vice Chairman of the Council and the Eze Uzu of Awka, Obi (Dr) Gibson Nwosu, prayed God to take away evil men and enemies of progress from their midst. He stated that it is easier to deal with an evil spirit than with an evil man, pointing out that the latter is hardly pacified as his wants remain insatiable.

Corroborating the position of President General of Ohanaze Ndigbo, Chief Gary Enwo-Igariwey who sued for peace and obedience to the court judgment, Eze Uzu re-affirmed that the Chairmanship of the Traditional Rulers Council in Imo State would be settled once and for all. They posited that power comes from God and implored Governor Okorocha to abide by the Court judgment and give peace chance.