A peaceful protest rocked Nkomoro Community in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State as residents staged a demonstration against the proposed appointment of Chief Jacob Nwakpa as the new traditional ruler.
The community members took to the streets of Abakiliki metropolis carrying various placards, urging the state governor, Francis Nwifuru, and the state Commissioner of Police, Augustina Ogbodo, to intervene in the dispute over royal succession to avoid any further breakdown of law and order.
They called on the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to respect their right to choose and elect their own monarch freely.
Allegations were made by the protesters, claiming that certain internal and external forces were attempting to impose a former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on them as their new traditional ruler.
It is worth noting that Jacob Nwakpa had previously served as an INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner.
The traditional prime minister of the community, Livinus Eze, who participated in leading the protest, expressed their surprise over the news of Jacob Nwakpa’s appointment as the traditional ruler. He emphasized that there are specific procedures and processes to be followed before a traditional ruler is selected, and those procedures were not adhered to in this case.
Eze highlighted that the community comprises eight kindreds, each of which should nominate four individuals to select the traditional ruler. Subsequently, the chosen candidate would require community-wide approval, in accordance with their customary practice.
He added, “We have not chosen our traditional ruler yet, and we are still mourning our previous ruler who passed away a year ago. Our objective is peace, not turmoil.”
Addressing the protesters in his office, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Uchenna Igwe, reassured them that their concerns would be addressed. He emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation across the state.
Regarding the situation in Nkomoro community, Igwe clarified, “There is currently no traditional ruler in that community. Anyone aspiring to the position should engage with their community and stand for election. Our focus is on ensuring a transparent and peaceful selection process.”
When reached for comment, Jacob Nwakpa clarified that he was not advocating for himself to become the traditional ruler but rather, it was the community members who approached and requested him to accept the position.
He pointed out that the community constitution stipulates a rotational system for the traditional stool between the Izzi and Oriuzor clans. According to Nwakpa, the Izzi clan has historically held the position, contrary to the constitution’s directive, prompting stakeholders to advocate for the next ruler to come from the Oriuzor clan.