By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The country home of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday dethroned their traditional ruler, Igwe MacAnthony Okonkwo.

Chief Ebelechukwu Chukwumesili, who was selected as his replacement by the community, was presented to Alor people by the Ifite section of the town, and adopted as the monarch-elect by the community at a town hall meeting presided over by the President-General of Alor People’s Assembly, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa.

He was later crowned by the kingmaker of Uruezena village, Alor, Edwin Ezeoke, while the traditional staff of office was handed over to him by Eze Ofo of Alor, Chief Gibson Onyekaonwu of Umuoshi village.

Okonkwo was among the 13 traditional rulers accused of travelling to Abuja with the Ukpo-born business mogul, Prince Arthur Eze, without permission from the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano.

Following the controversial trip, the State Government slammed a one-year suspension on the monarchs, but Alor community accused Okonkwo of gross misconduct and insisted on his removal.

Commending the move, Senator Ngige expressed confidence that the new monarch would not only rule the people well, but will restore peace and build bridges of friendship amongst his people.

Ngige, who attended the meeting, said: “You can see the mood of the town’s people; joy all over the place because it was a tortuous journey but I told them to abide by the rule of law.

“Alor people spent seven years in court to get their town’s government legitimated. And the town’s government put in process the election of a new Eze Di Ora Mma in accordance with the constitution of Alor people.

“Everybody is happy with the development; I’m happy with my people. I’m a man of rule of law.”

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