Enugu Traditional Ruler At War With Subjects As Community Wants Him Removed

IGNATIUS OKPARA, Enugu

The people of Egwu Achi community in Oji River council Area of Enugu State have appealed to Governor Sullivan Chime to dethrone and prosecute their traditional ruler Igwe Victor Meniru over alleged high handedness, intimidation, impersonation and vandalization of property belonging to the community.

The people who made the demand Monday during a peaceful demonstration to the Government House Enugu, alleged that the traditional ruler was not elected by people, but rather, was imposed on them by some personalities with questionable characters in the community.

Spokesman for the community and President of the town Union, Mr Okechukwu Onwuka, had alleged that since the Igwe assumed the title, Igwe Meniru, he had continued to unleashed terror on the community, using hoodlums and thugs to intimidate anyone who dared to oppose him.

According to Onwuka, the traditional ruler who based in Abuja, used the same hoodlums to vandalize public property at Egwu Achi in order to punish the people for their refusal to accept him as their natural ruler.

The community spokesman, further said ‘Igwe’ Meniru always come to the Community to unleashe mayhem on the people, adding that some times, he locks up those he perceived as enemies because of his influence and contact in the police.

He lamented that the two 500KVA transformers provided to the Community by the State Government was seized by the Igwe who claimed that they were provided by a politician in the area.

The town Union President therefore appealed to the governor to investigate the activities of the self made Igwe with a view to withdrawing his certificate of recognition which was erroneously given to him.

Addressing the people on behalf of Governor Sullivan Chime, the State Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Poverty Allocation, Mr. Godwin Ogenyi, had urged them to remain law abiding and employ dialogue in resolving their grievances.

The Governor assured the people of his administration commitment in providing security as well as maintain peaceful existence among the people of the state.

He added that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security, promising them that government would look into their grievances, with a view to resolving the problems amicably.