Let Obazu Monarch Publicly Address Subjects -Abaekwume
The President General of the Obazu Mbieri Community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, Chief Iheanyi Abaekwume, has stated that the traditional ruler of the community, His Royal Highness Eze Nze Francis Elendu Agunwah, should address the community publicly to resolve the controversy surrounding his health condition.
Chief Abaekwume urged those currently surrounding the throne to bring the monarch back from the United Kingdom where he resides to address his subjects and conclusively demonstrate his ability to fulfill the responsibilities of his role.
He was responding to the royal family’s assertion that Eze Agunwah is in good health and possesses sound judgment.
The family had issued a statement last week affirming the monarch’s health status.
The Special Adviser to the traditional ruler on Special Duties, Professor Chinedu Asinu-Asinobi, supported the royal family’s position.
Both parties dismissed Chief Abaekwume, suggesting that he was expressing discontent over matters beyond his comprehension and cautioned him to cease immediately or face the consequences from the palace.
The former General Manager of Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA)refuted Asinu-Asinobi’s claims as unfounded and promptly remarked, “The Eze should come and address his subjects. That is all.”
Abaekwume stated that in the past one decade, Eze Agunwah has not publicly addressed his subjects or attended any meeting of traditional rulers either at Nwaorieubi, headquarters of Mbaitoli Local Government Area or Owerri, the state capital.
According to him, even when there was a bomb blast in Obazu Mbieri Community, there was not even a whimper from Eze Agunwah or his palace.
“Some people are capitalizing on his incapacitation to foment trouble in the community. And this has to stop”, Abaekwume stated.
It is important to highlight that Chief Abaekwume, along with the Presidents of the seven villages that comprise the Obazu Mbieri Community, have urged the state government to suspend Eze Agunwah.
They base their request on his alleged incapacitation and his residence abroad, which they believe supports their stance.
