Imo monarchs get marching orders over rising insecurity, community clashes

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has warned 66 new Imo monarchs that anyone who submit false information, including administering oaths to support insecurity and crisis in his community would be dethroned.

Uzodimma gave the warning at the Government House, Owerri, at the weekend during the handing over of staff of office and certificates of recognition to 66 monarchs-elect of the communities in the state. He urged them to be integral part and ambassadors of their communities, ensuring peace and tranquility exist in their domains.

The governor regretted that the delay in issuing them their staff of office and certificate of recognition was due to court cases and petitions against some of them.

He said: “Every community must have a traditional ruler; and a traditional ruler has a responsibility to serve the people; to treat the people in a manner that will give God satisfaction; that you are a traditional ruler does not make you take those you are ruling as slaves. Your job is to lead your people and the government will support you.”

The Guardian learnt that the monarchs had stayed several years waiting to receive their instruments of office. In his response on behalf of others, the monarch of Umuezeala Umueme autonomous community in Oru East Local Council, Eze Peter Nnabue, promised that they would ensure maintenance of peace and tranquility in their respective domains.