40 Imo monarchs drag Okorocha to court over alleged punitive measure

FOR the moves initiated by the state Council of Traditional Rulers to try them in a panel set up over their alleged involvement in hosting the visit of the immediate past President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, at the council’s office complex in the state, shortly before the general elections, about 40 monarchs out of the 50 listed in the trial have dragged Governor Rochas Okorocha and his aides to court.

About 50 monarchs, aside the four earlier suspended, were accused by the state government of participating and aligning themselves with the embattled Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, who has been reinstated by the court as the Chairman of the state chapter of the Traditional Rulers Council, during Jonathan’s visit to the state.

Subsequently, the Imo State government- recognized Chairman of the Council, Eze Sam Ohiri, announced the Deputy Chairman of the council in the state, Eze Chidube Okoro, as the Chairman of the panel to investigate the monarchs.

Not satisfied, as they suspected punitive measures awaiting them, the monarchs who suspected the governor of having hands in the directive, headed to the courts to challenge the action.

About seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), The Guardian gathered, have indicated interest to offer free legal services for the monarchs as the matter comes up at Owerri High Court 4 today.