… As Obiano gifts SUVs to loyal monarchs
The people of Mkpunando Aguleri, a community in Anambra State, have dethroned their traditional ruler, Igwe Alexander Edozieuno.
Igwe Edozieuno is one of the 13 traditional rulers who went on an unapproved visit to Aso Rock villa, over which they incurred the anger of Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano.
Edozieuno was removed from office at the weekend, and replaced with Johnson Onyeaka-Mbanefo.
The traditional rulers, reportedly supported by a wealthy businessman from the State, went to Abuja, allegedly to submit a petition against Obiano to Buhari, over the alleged mismanagement of council funds allocated since he (Obiano) came to power.
However, they could not meet with the President.
The State government, that suspended the royal fathers for travelling without permission, is said to be displeased about their romance with the businessman, who has been at loggerheads with Obiano, criticising his administration of the State.
The four quarters that make up Mkpunando Aguleri – Ugwuoba, Umuagu na Obeke, Ivite Enu and Igboezunu – were reportedly unanimous in the enthronement of Onyeaka-Mbanefo as new king at the Ukwuana-Isiokwe Square amid fanfare.
The new king promised that he would not disappoint the community.
Meanwhile, Obiano, at the weekend, presented 151 Innoson Ikenga model Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to the traditional rulers who shunned the Abuja trip.
The governor said, at the presentation: “Those receiving these gifts are distinguished royal fathers duly recognised and certified in line with the Anambra Chieftaincy Laws.”
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, who praised the governor for the gifts, pledged their continued loyalty to the government.