Abia: Ebem Ohafia Kingdom Denies Dethronement Of Traditional Ruler

The Ebem Ohafia kingdom in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State has denounced an announcement of the dethronement of their traditional ruler HRH Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha.

This follows tension generated by an alleged radio broadcast by a group claiming that the monarch was no longer the traditional ruler of their community based on some allegations against him.

In a swift reaction to the announcement, the people of the community issued a communique, emphasising that the monarch has not been removed and can not be replaced by anyone in his lifetime as the customs of the kingdom demands.

The communique was issued by representatives of Ezieogo Ebem Ohafia -in Council, Ebem Ohafia kingmakers, Ebem Ohafia Development Union, and Inyom Ebem Ohafia home and abroad.

Other groups represented in the communique are Ebem Youths Association and the Trustees of Ebem Ohafia Development Union incorporated.

Part of the communique reads: "The radio announcement of the purported dethronement of Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha as the Ezieogo of Ebem is illegal, not supported by Ebem Ohafia customs and traditions with respect to the Ezieogo Ebem Stool and the mere wishful thinking of the persons who do not know or appreciate the customs and traditions of Ebem Ohafia community.

"The Stool of Ezieogo is neither appointive elective in nature, the occupant of the Stool holds the office for life and no other person can occupy the Stool during the lifetime of any reigning Ezieogo.”

The communique further reaffirmed total support for the royal father, insisting that his seat can never be vacant or occupied by anyone in his lifetime.