Members of the traditional council of the late Ezeogo Augustine Okwor in Nkalaha Autonomous Community, Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have called on Governor Francis Nwifuru to withdraw the staff of office handed over to the new Igwe, arguing that their late ruler has not yet been buried.
The community described it as a sacrilege to confer a staff of office on a new Igwe while their deceased Ezeogo remains in the morgue. They stressed that the staff of office should be withdrawn to avoid provoking the wrath of the gods.
The Traditional Prime Minister of Nkalaha, Chief Ogenyi-Ogbuabo Edeoga, made this appeal while addressing journalists about the government’s recent recognition of a new traditional ruler, even though the late Ezeogo Okwor’s burial has not taken place. Chief Edeoga labeled the situation sacrilegious, emphasizing that traditional protocols must be respected.
He noted that Ezeogo Augustine Okwor (Onwa Fuo Igboamaru II) served the community with dedication until his death in May this year, adding that the late ruler deserves proper respect before a new king can be officially installed.
Debunking rumors of Ezeogo Okwor’s alleged dethronement, Chief Edeoga argued that the ongoing building projects at Okwor’s residence, his salary payments, and other government activities in the community prove he was fully recognized until his passing. He stated that no government or community body notified the council of any dethronement either before or after the Ezeogo’s death.
The Nkalaha council explained that the delay in officially announcing the monarch’s death was due to cultural traditions. They noted that the community follows a custom where the passing of a ruler (referred to as Onye Izhi) is not made public until the Ikpu Uzo festival is celebrated in the following year.
The council members expressed frustration over the abrupt suspension of the late Ezeogo’s salary and allowances, calling it unprecedented. They also criticized the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for halting the building project at the Ezeogo’s residence, stating that construction work on other late rulers’ houses in the state continues.
Chief Edeoga further alleged that the election which produced Chief Thomson Ebeh as the new Igwe was illegal, pointing out that the former local government chairman had issued a directive halting the process. He added that the late Ezeogo Okwor did not participate in the election due to the controversy surrounding it.
He called for a fresh election to select a new ruler, in accordance with the Ebonyi State Executive Order No. 002 of 2021, which outlines the process for selecting, recognizing, and installing traditional rulers and town union leaders.
In closing, the Nkalaha council, through Onowu, expressed confidence in Governor Nwifuru’s ability to address their concerns. They appealed to the governor to heed the pleas of the late Ezeogo’s children, whom they described as his peers, for the sake of justice and community harmony.
