A lecturer in the Department of Humanities of the Imo State University, Profalis Chukwudi Nwulu has completely dismissed the purported protest being organised by some indigenes of Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of the State against the whereabouts of their traditional ruler, HRH Eze Ekwueme P Ekwueme, describing it as unreasonable.
Addressing newsmen in his office on Friday in reaction to the said protest by those described as concerned citizens of Ochia Community, Nwulu observed; “the right of individuals to ask or know the whereabouts of his or her traditional ruler but not by protest as was demonstrated by the group”.
The stakeholder of Ochia autonomous community explained that the traditional ruler of the community had traveled out of the country on health grounds.
According to him, the Monarch had before leaving for abroad, notified the Council of Chiefs which is comprised of representatives of each village and the Traditional Prime Minister of the Community Chief. B.Nwulu
A former chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU, of Imo State University, said that since ever the monarch traveled, the Council of Chiefs and the TPM have been meeting regularly and making decisions concerning the community.
He said if there are issues concerning the community which they want to find out, the best measure that ought to be taken is to go to their representatives in the Council of Chiefs for possible answers
He described the taking of protest against the community relating it to the whereabouts of the traditional ruler as killing a fly with sledge harmer.
On the allegation of embezzlement of funds of N220m from the oil company meant for the development of the community, the leader of the Community challenged the oil company to come out and tell the World of any fund meant for the development of the community which was given to anybody for embezzlement.
He blamed the same group of protesters, especially from Umuokuzu village who claimed the right to produce the traditional ruler of Ochia Community who has allegedly frustrated the development of the community.
Meanwhile, the people had earlier on taken their protest to the Imo State House of Assembly in demand of the whereabouts of their traditional ruler HRH Eze Ekwueme P Ekwueme whom they accused of abandoning his stool for two years and six months.
The protesters led by Mazi Aloysius Ogboka informed the leadership of Imo State House that the traditional ruler absconded from his stool and traveled to America and has remained there without clear reasons.
They said: “the Eze handed over to the Traditional Prime Minister while at the same time dishes out directives and orders to the oil company operating in their community and takes all the royalties without bringing any development to Ochia Community”.
The leader of the protest said that the Eze has remained incommunicado, yet always seen on social media dancing and partying.
Receiving the protesters at the Imo State House of Assembly, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Amara China Iwuanyanwu who represented Speaker Hon. Chike Olemgbe appealed to protesters to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding.
He assured them that their complaints would be looked into while he directed them to formally submit their petitions to the House of Assembly Committee on LGA and Chieftaincy Affairs for appropriate actions.
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