“Ezeala 3 of Achi” illegal, illegitimate, unconstitutional – Achi Traditional Rulers

Achi Traditional Rulers, under the aegis of Concerned Traditional Rulers from Achi, in Oji River LGA of Enugu State, say the purported installation of an Ezeala 3 of Achi is illegal, illegitimate and unconstitutional.

The statement which was released in Achi on Friday 5th of February, 2021 was signed by Seven Traditional Rulers from Achi. They include, HRH Igwe Dr Chuks Mbaeriachi (Isikwe Achi),
HRH, Igwe Sunny O Z Orah (Adu-Achi),
HRH, Igwe Johnson Ozoadibe (Agbadala Achi),
HRH, Igwe Victor Onuaguluchi (Ihe-Achi),
HRH, Igwe Oliver Okehi ( Oji-River Urban),  HRH Igwe Timothy Gbugu (Amankpunato), HRH Igwe John Egwuatu (Ehuhe Achi)

A copy of the statement obtained by Signaturetv.org read in part “The purported installation of any individual to an unknown and non-existent stool claimed to be “Eze Ala 111” is not only illegal, illegitimate and unconstitutional but against the laws of Enugu State.

“The purported installation of one Igwe Godwin Madu to the unknown throne, is not only null and void but ultra vires

“Unfortunately this same Igwe Godwin Madu has also continued to falsely parade himself as the “Permanent” Chairman of the Achi Council of Traditional Rulers. Not even at the State level is the position of Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council “Permanent

“The “Fake News” being pedelled by Igwe Chima Achiekwelu, that the respected Igwe Eugene Onyelu, Eze Ala 11, the last Igwe of Achi, transferred his official staff of office to him, has since been debunked by Prince Okey Onyelu, the first son of Late Igwe Eugene Onyelu who still has the staff of office in his family’s custody”.

The Royal Father’s further said “It was then laughable mischief when on the 3Ist of December, 2020 at the sacred Oga Aga Agwu Agwu ceremony, some individuals against the laws of Enugu State and tradition of the people, conspired and hijacked the event and claimed they were installing a Traditional Ruler to be known as “Ezeala 111 of Achi” without recourse to the Government of Enugu State.

“On that fateful day we restrained from disrupting the charade because we did not want to scandalize, embarrass or bring disgrace to Achi. It took us this long to officially react because we thought that through consultation, superior argument and informed engagement we could convince the conspirators to retrace their steps.

“Unfortunately almost a month after, our patience continues to embolden them, as they have continued to progress in error in pursuit of their selfish agenda”

The Concerned Traditional Rulers disassociated themselves from the installation of any individual as Ezeala 111 of Achi, saying that “At no time were the people and Traditional Rulers of Achi, consulted or agreed to be part of this illegality of “Eze Ala 111” or “Permanent Chairman”

They said “All these provocative actions by Igwe Godwin Madu and his cohorts is to cause confusion in Oji River LGA and will be resisted”.

They called on Governor Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Chairman of Oji River Local Government and well meaning sons and daughters of Oji River LGA “to call Igwe Godwin Madu and his cohorts to order”.

BELOW IS THE FULL STATEMENT BY THE CONCERNED TRADITIONAL RULERS

A STATEMENT BY CONCERNED TRADITIONAL RULERS FROM ACHI, OJI RIVER LGA
1) We are Concerned Traditional Rulers from Achi in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.
2) We have watched with hightened concern the activities of some sons and daughters of Achi, aimed at sowing discord and rupturing the peace which has existed in Oji River.
3) Achi is made up of Twelve (12) Autonomous Communities as legally recognized by the Government of Enugu State and duely gazetted.
4) Pursuant to this development, over the years Enugu State Government has at different times recognized and enthroned or dethroned a Traditional Ruler as the case may be, for each of the Twelve (12) Autonomous Communities.
5) It was then laughable mischief when on the 3Ist of December, 2020 at the sacred Oga Aga Agwu Agwu ceremony, some individuals against the laws of Enugu State and tradition of the people, conspired and hijacked the event and claimed they were installing a Traditional Ruler to be known as “Ezeala 111 of Achi” without recourse to the Government of Enugu State.

6) On that fateful day we restrained from disrupting the charade because we did not want to scandalize, embarrass or bring disgrace to Achi. It took us this long to officially react because we thought that through consultation, superior argument and informed engagement we could convince the conspirators to retrace their steps.
7) Unfortunately almost a month after, our patience continues to embolden them as they have continued to progress in error in pursuit of their selfish agenda
8) We the undersigned formally disassociate ourselves from the installation of any individual as “Eze Ala 111 of Achi”
9) We the undersigned Royal Father’s for the avoidance of doubt want to categorically state that:
a) The purported installation of any individual to an unknown and non-existent stool claimed to be “Eze Ala 111” is not only illegal, illegitimate and unconstitutional but against the laws of Enugu State.
b) The purported installation of one Igwe Godwin Madu to the unknown throne, is not only null and void but ultravires.
c) The “Fake News” being pedelled by Igwe Chima Achiekwelu, that the respected Igwe Eugene Onyelu, Eze Ala 11, the last Igwe of Achi, transferred his official staff of office to him, has since been debunked by Prince Okey Onyelu, the first son of Late Igwe Eugene Onyelu who still has the staff of office in his family’s custody.
d) It has since been discovered that the staff of office used for the disgraceful drama on the 3Ist of December, 2020 was fake.
e) Unfortunately this same Igwe Godwin Madu has also continued to falsely parade himself as the “Permanent” Chairman of the Achi Council of Traditional Rulers. Not even at the State level is the position of Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council “Permanent”.
f) At no time were the people and Traditional Rulers of Achi, consulted or agreed to be part of this illegality of “Eze Ala 111” or “Permanent Chairman”
10) All these provocative actions by Igwe Godwin Madu and his cohorts is to cause confusion in Oji River LGA and will be resisted.
11) Since the unfortunate event of 31st December, 2020, as responsible leaders who believe in the rule of law, we have patiently waited, calming our subjects and dousing tension, in the hope that Igwe Madu and his fellow travelers will retreat, respect the culture and tradition of Achi and allow peace to reign in our LGA
12) By this statement we are calling on His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Chairman Oji River LGA and well meaning sons and daughters of Oji River LGA, to call Igwe Godwin Madu and his cohorts to order:
a) To give peace a chance as their actions and activities are threatening the peace and security of Oji River Local Government Area
b) For Igwe Godwin Madu to stop parading himself as “Eze Ala 111” of a non existing Achi stool
c) For Igwe Godwin Madu to stop parading himself as the “Permanent Chairman” of Achi Traditional Rulers Council, as no such office exists.
d) For Igwe Godwin Madu to stop interfering in the affairs of individual Autonomous Communities but mind the business of his Autonomous Community
12) May we reassure our people that as Royal Fathers and custodians of the culture and tradition of our land, we will resist any attempt by any individual, no matter how highly placed and no matter how brazen the effort, to desecrate our land and turn our tradition upside down
13) May we once again pledge our loyalty to the Government of Enugu State and commend the exemplary leadership of our dear Governor, His Excellency, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, which has made Enugu State the most peaceful State in Nigeria
Signed………..
1) HRH Igwe Dr Chuks Mbaeriachi (Isikwe Achi)
2) HRH Igwe Sunny Oz Orah (Adu-Achi)
3) HRH Igwe Johnson Ozoadibe (Agbadala Achi)
4) HRH Igwe Victor Onuaguluchi (Ihe-Achi)
5) HRH Igwe Oliver Okehi ( Oji-River Urban)

6) HRH Igwe Timothy Gbugu (Amankpunato)

7) HRH Igwe John Egwuatu (Ehuhe Achi)