Indigenes of Ohaisu Autonomous Community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have staged a peaceful protest at the Government House, Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki, demanding a review of the recognition of Dr Francis Okoro as the traditional ruler of the community.
The protesters, comprising elderly men and women as well as youths, accused the state government of allegedly imposing a monarch on the community, insisting that the process leading to his recognition did not reflect their traditional customs and the applicable legal provisions.
They called on the state government to allow the people to determine their traditional leadership through a process they considered legitimate and inclusive.
.
The protesters, who carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Allow Ohaisu to Choose Their Ezeogo” and “Dr Francis Okoro Was Not Elected,” also maintained that the dispute over the traditional stool was still before a court.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Chief Godwin Isu said the process that culminated in Okoro’s recognition allegedly contravened the provisions of the Traditional Rulers and Autonomous Communities Law, Cap. 146.
He argued that the government should reconsider its decision in view of the pending litigation and the community’s objections to the selection process.
According to him, the continued recognition of the traditional ruler despite the unresolved dispute could aggravate tensions within the community.
Isu called for Okoro’s removal, saying such a step would help address the grievances of the aggrieved indigenes and promote lasting peace.
Another community leader, Ichie Dennis Egwu, criticised what he described as government interference in the kingship dispute, stressing that the community’s traditional rights should be respected.
Egwu appealed to the state government to allow Ohaisu indigenes to choose their traditional ruler without what he considered undue external influence.
He maintained that the resolution of the dispute should take into account the community’s customs and the concerns of those contesting the process.
The protesters urged the government to intervene in a manner that would restore confidence among the various groups in the community and prevent further escalation of the dispute.
Responding, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Government House, Abakaliki, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully.
Echiegu assured them that the government would revisit the matter and work towards addressing the concerns raised by the aggrieved parties.
He, however, urged the protesters to remain calm and law-abiding, warning against any action capable of undermining public peace.
The protest comes amid an ongoing dispute over the traditional leadership of Ohaisu Autonomous Community, with the aggrieved indigenes insisting that due process must be followed in determining who occupies the stool.
The protesters expressed hope that the state government’s assurance would lead to a resolution acceptable to the parties involved.