From Chuks Moses, Awka
Apparently taking a cue from two other communities of Aguleri Otu and Mkpunando Aguleri that have since replaced their suspended traditional rulers respectively, the people of Alor community, home of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige have picked and presented a new monarch to Gov Willie Obiano, for recognition and formal certification.
The imminent certification would draw a curtain on the checkered brief reign of the erstwhile monarch -McAnthony Okonkwo.
Okonkwo was among the thirteen monarchs who were recently suspended by the state government for acts considered as “official insubordination… incongruous to their high exalted office as traditional rulers”. He was among the rulers who went with billionaire, Arthur Eze, to President Muhammadu Buhari, in a move believed to have undermined the Governor. Eze has been at odds with Obiano, threatening to fight the Governor over local government funds misappropriated in the last seven years.
Addressing journalists at the Government House, the President General of Alor People’s Assembly, Chief Okife Igbonwa alleged that it wasn’t unexpected that Okonkwo would crash land in no time, because his emergence and enthronement didn’t follow due process or the community’s constitution and established tradition.
“It was reason Alor was embroiled in turmoil ever since his emergence, until now that the people have collectively elected her traditional ruler. The community was so incensed under him that they passed a vote-of-no confidence on him seeking his summary removal but had prevailed on them to see if he would turn a new leaf. But the last straw that broke the carmel’s back came when the same Chinedu Okonkwo joined other disobedient monarch on a ill-fated journey to Abuja to desecrate the office of Gov. Obiano who certified him some months ago.
“Everyone that need to be involved was involved, voted their choice -Pastor Collins Ebelechukwu Chukwumesili, and consequently joyously presented him to the world.”
Igbonwa early in the week led people of the community to the Anambra Government House where the new Igwe was presented in anticipation of his formal recognition and certification. He disclosed that the new monarch and people of Alor will remain loyal to the state government.
Earlier, the new monarch told our correspondent that his top priority was to restore peace, love for one another and cohesion in the community, before embarking on massive development drive. He pointed out that the people are presently scattered and restive, that he will key into the Alor Youth Vanguard to nip youth restiveness.
Sen Ngige witnessed the entire traditional process and expressed happiness that at last the people’s choice has mounted the saddle, contrary to the imposition of McAnthony Chinedu Okonkwo.
Chukwumesili, an established international businessman emerged tops amongst other contenders from his Uruezeani village whose turn it was to replace the late Igwe J. C Nkwoka. After his presentation and acceptance by the people, the new monarch was handed the community’s traditional staff of office (Ofor) by the Ezeofor VII of Alor, Ozor Gibson Onyekonwu.