By Magnus Aluma
The people of Umuezeoka community in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria, have coronated a retired Captain from the Nigerian Army, Fidelis Ogodo as their new Traditional Ruler.
NewsBits gathered that the community was without a Traditional Ruler for five years after the death of their former native ruler. Shortly after his coronation, the veteran soldier promised to rule the community with honesty and justice, adding that his throne will not yield to temptation and corruption.
He said: “I will rule my people with the fear of God, I will rule them with honesty and justice, I will not disappoint, and I will not yield to temptations and corruptions. By the grace of God, I will do my best to uplift Umuezeoka in any aspect of life.”
Speaking further, the new traditional ruler said, “I want to appreciate our governor for his openness and for the free hand he gives to each community to elect a person of their choice. I want also to thank him for all the projects he has awarded in my community, including roads and the Akadoro bridge contracts. I thank him also for the appointments he gave to my people. I am really grateful, and I am pledging a total loyalty to his administration.”
Retired Captain Ogodo’s coronation was witnessed by stakeholders of the community, including the Ebonyi State commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Engr. Jude Okpor, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Barrister Ikeuwa Omebe, his counterpart in the Ministry of Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Donatus Ilang, who was represented by a Head of Department in the Ministry, Ifeanyi Igurube and the chairman of the coronation organising committee, Dr. Williams Alo.
In an address on the occasion, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Engr. Okpor observed that the various projects of the state government in Umuezeoka Community attest to his love for the people.
He eulogized Governor Nwifuru for allowing the people to elect their traditional ruler, adding the gesture would enhance peace in the area, and boost communal trust in various communities in the state.
Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of the coronation organising committee, Dr Williams Alo gave background history of the kingdom. Dr. Alo recalled that Umuezeoka community installed their first Monarch, Ezeogo Nicholas Chukwu in 1979. He explained that the Traditional Stool of the community rotational among various kindreds in the community.
He said: “The Ezeship of this community rotates in kindred and now favoured Unwu-enyi people. I enjoin our people to rally round the new traditional ruler to enable him perform optimally.” The committee chairman urged the newly installed Traditional Ruler to unite the community and thanked the stakeholders for supporting the choice of the people.
In their remarks, the state Commissioner for Rural Development, Ikeuwa Omebe and his counterpart of Border Peace and Conflicts Resolution, Donatus Ilang, who was represented by a Head of Department in the Ministry, Ifeanyi Igurube acknowledged that the event was peaceful. They called on the people to continue to support the present administration in the state and emphasised that development thrives only where there is peace and unity.
