Imo community disowns monarch, insists it has no traditional ruler
The Obibi Uratta Autonomous Community in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo state has declared that the community is yet to crown a new traditional ruler following the death of its monarch in 2016.
Chief Amobi Uwaleke had on November 2, celebrated the first anniversary of his coronation despite the state government’s warnings that he is not a recognized traditional ruler in the state.
The community further declared one Amobi Uwaleke, who has been parading himself as the new traditional of the community as an impostor.
Secretary of the Regency Council of the community, Mr. Jude Chikwendu, who dropped the hint at a press conference at the weekend, said that the community is yet crown a new monarch following the death of the last monarch of the community, Sir Pius Ukaga in 2016.
He alleged that one Amobi Uwaleke, who never participated in the in the election which had elected Chief Bon Aliri as the king- elect has been parading himself as the new monarch of Obibi Uratta autonomous community.
“After the death of our traditional ruler, Sir Pius Ukagah in 2016 who is from Umualum community and in keeping with rotational principle it became the turn of Umuorii community to produce the next monarch for the community.
“Even before the traditional mourning was over, Chief Amobi Uwaleke declared himself as the new king of the community.
“As a result of the crisis arising from the self -declaration by Chief Uwaleke, the former governor summoned leaders of the community and at the meeting directed Chief Uwaleke to obtain the form of intent if he is interested in the kingship.
“But, he never did that nor participated in the election which was won by Chief Bon Aliri, who garnered 109 votes to defeat other five contestants.”
“Curiously, on the eve May 28 which is the departure of Governor Rochas Okorocha, Chief Uwaleke claimed that he has been issued a certificate of recognition which we discovered was forged as his name is not found in any government gazette of recognized traditional rulers in Owerri North Local Government Area,” Chikwendu said.
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He allegedly accused the police of assigning the impostor king police personnel which he has been using to harass and intimidate members of the community.
The secretary appealed to the state government to urgently check the illegal activities of Chief Uwaleke to forestall the breakdown of law and order in the community.
