Obiano installs monarch amidst protest by community

Less than 24 hours after the Oraukwu community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State protested against the candidature of Dr Emeka Onuorah as the monarch of the area, the state governor Willie Obiano has installed him as the traditional ruler of the town.

The governor issued him with a certificate of recognition yesterday in a brief ceremony at Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, near Awka, the state capital.

In a reaction, the Acting President-General of the community, Chief Harold Mbanusi, said the community would not recognize Onuorah as their monarch.

The community had on Wednesday temporarily halted activities at Government House, Awka, in a protest following the suspicion that Onuorah would be installed.

The leader of the community, Chief Harold Mbanusi, said the community had held an election for the purpose of electing a monarch for the community, where Onuorah came a distant third. He said in the election, Chief Pius Okoye scored 535 votes; Vincent Okechukwu scored 20 votes while Emeka Onuorah scored 15 votes.

He said with the election, Chief Okoye was crowned the traditional ruler of the community and presented to the local government area which affirmed him.

The Chief of Staff to the governor, Prof Joe Asike had assured the protesters that the governor would look into their matter, stressing no injustice would be condoned by the Obiano government.

But about 12 noon yesterday, the governor issued a certificate of recognition to Onuorah in a brief ceremony that excluded the press.

When contacted, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Media and Publicity, Mr James Eze, said, “The presence of journalists is not needed. I shall communicate to you the outcome of the event, if need be.”