Imo: Embattled monarch resumes three years after being removed by Gov. Okorocha

The embattled Chairman of Imo Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, returned to office three years after he was removed by the administration of Gov. Rochas Okorocha. His resumption on Friday followed the ruling of a High Court sitting in Owerri on May 26, which reaffirmed the monarch as the authentic chairman of Imo Council of Traditional Rulers. Ilomuanya, accompanied by the Leader of Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Mr Ralph Uwazuruike, inspected the secretariat of the traditional rulers on Concord Avenue, Owerri. Ilomuanya, the traditional ruler of Obinugwu Autonomous Community in Orlu Local Government Area, received some traditional rulers, friends and well- wishers in the office. Armed mobile policemen and State Security Service operatives were present at the secretariat. Ilomuanya told newsmen that his three years of legal battle to reclaim his office started on June 6, 2011 following his removal by the governor through radio broadcast. He said his removal came to him as a surprise adding that he had carried out an assignment from the governor in the morning of that day only to be removed from office by 6p.m. Ilomuanay said all efforts to draw the attention of the governor on the constitution of traditional institution as it concerned the tenure of the chairman were fruitless. He commended the judiciary for being the hope of the common man and for vindicating him, adding that he had forgiven the governor for all he passed through during the case. The traditional ruler promised to work and cooperate with the present administration to ensure that success was achieved, and advised the people not to politicise the traditional institution. However, the Imo Government, in a statement dated June 6, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, announced the withdrawal of Certificate of Recognition and staff of office of Ilomuanya and Eze Cosmas Onyeneke, the traditional ruler of Lagwa Autonomous Community in Aboh Mbaise LGA. The letter, with Ref. No. SG1/ S.1166/X, cited sections 11 and 14 of the Imo Traditional Rulers Autonomous Communities Law No. 6 of 2006, to justify the action. Anwuka explained that by the letter, the monarchs in question ceased to be recognised as the traditional rulers of their respective autonomous communities. He directed secretaries of the community government councils to liaise with the state government on behalf of the respective communities pending the presentation of other Ezes ``in accordance with the custom and constitution of their autonomous communities.”