. . . See full list of the royal fathers

The Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma on Thursday inaugurated the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers with a call on the monarchs to take full charge of their domain by partnering with government to achieve result.

It was also on a day the Governor put smiles on the faces of 15 traditional rulers in Imo State who were given Staff of Office by the government of Rochas Okorocha but were rejected by the government of Emeka Ihedioha.

Governor Uzodimma who gave the 15 monarchs audience when they paid him a courtsey call on Thursday in Government House Owerri announced that they would not only be pay rolled like their colleagues but that government will recognise them as traditional rulers properly chosen by their communities.

Governor Uzodimma apologised to them over the stress their non-recognition by the immediate past administration caused them, saying the role of government is to recognise monarchs who were properly chosen by their community either through election, appointment or by hereditary process.

He further challenged them to lead by example in their domains and to ensure they maintain peace in their localities by partnering with government in the interest of the people.

The newly inaugurated Council consists of the State Chairman, three zonal Deputy Chairmen and chairmen of the 27 local government areas in Imo State.

Inaugurating the Council at the New Executive Chamber Government House Owerri, Governor Uzodimma charged the monarchs “to coordinate, supervise and manage not only traditional rulers, but community affairs in the various local governments.”

He assured the Council members of support, and admonished them to work as government representatives in their domains by way of ensuring that peace and tranquility are maintained in the communities.

“No government can function without strong and constructive partnership with traditional rulers,” the Governor said.

Governor Uzodimma also used the occasion to reiterate his commitment to the development of Imo State. His words: “I have not come here to joke . . . I have come to serve and by the grace of God I will use my power as a governor very well.”

The Governor reminded the monarchs of the enormous power they wield as custodians of the culture and tradition of their communities and by extension that of the society they represent and urged them not to shy away from their statutory responsibility of ensuring that peace reigns in their domain.

He also challenged them to partner with government to ensure that criminal elements are identified and flushed out from the society.

In his vote of thanks on behalf of his colleagues after inauguration, Chairman of Imo State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze E.C. Okeke recalled the good work Governor Uzodimma has been doing in Imo State since assuming office despite obvious challenges and promised that the monarchs will work with him to ensure that Imo State is not just safe, but will experience progress and development.

Eze Okeke said their formal inauguration was a morale booster and promised that they will neither dissapoint the government not betray the trust reposed on them.

Below is the list of the newly inaugurated traditional rulers.

▪HRH Eze (Dr) E.C. Okeke, Ezeudo II,Amaifeke, State Chairman.

▪HRH Eze T.A. Obiefule, Okiadurui, Okiruru of Umudioka, Deputy, Orlu Zone

▪HRH Eze Goddy Okeke, Ezediohanma I of Umukpa Alike, Deputy, Okigwe Zone

▪HRH Eze David Akujiobi Osuagwu, Ezikochi of Awaka, Deputy, Owerri Zone

LIST OF 27 TRADITIONAL RULERS/CHAIRMEN OF LGA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

1. HRH Eze M.J.D Nwaturuocha, Ezeudo V of Nguru Nwekeoha, Aboh Mbaise

2. HRH Eze S.N. Nwaneche, Ogwu I of Ogwuama, Ahiazu Mbaise

3 HRH Eze O.B. Nwokocha, Umara III of Adakam Amumara, Ezinihitte Mbaise

4. HRH Eze Dr Peter Njoku, Uri II of Umuri Amaimo, Ikeduru

5. HRH Eze George Eke, Mbaitolu

6. HRH Eze F.O. Nwachukwuogboro I of Ngor, Ngor Okpala

7. HRH Eze Lucky I.N. Okoro V, Ezeoha III of Eziobodo, Owerri West

8. HRH Eze Jude C. Nwaogu, Chidiebube I of Egbelu Obube, Owerri North

9. HRH Eze Uche Possible, Ihemefulen of Umuonyima Owerri Municipal

10. HRH Eze Emma Assorodozi Obodo II of Assa, Ohaji Egbema

11. HRH Eze Philip O. Uzodinma, Ononenyi of Ozuh Omuma, Oru East

12. HRH Eze A.N. Onyeka, Obi V of Nkume, Njaba

13. HRH Eze Frankline Okaford, Otachirioha of Ossemoto, Oguta

14. HRH Eze Samson Okwudinma, Igwe Ohazurumee I of Nneato-Ochasi, Orlu

15. HRH Eze Joel I. Udenkwoisiala I of Isiala Umudi, Nkwerre

16. HRH Eze A.C. Obi, Ezeudo I of Mgbidi, Oru West

17. HRH Eze Boniface O. Uzoma Ononenyi, Ekiti Ii of Ekitti Afor Abba, Nwangele

18. HRH Eze P.E. Ewuziev, Akanigbo II of Umuakam, Ideato South

19. HRH Eze K.N. Kanu, Ikena Olu Eze of Awada Iheme Izuogu, Ideato North

20. HRH Eze Dr. I.I. Okoligwea, Ebubedike of Awo-Idemmili, Orsu

21. HRH Eze B.C.Osuala, Okwaraeze, Obi of Isu Njaba, Isu

22. HRH Eze D.O. Emereonyea, Egwelle Diohanma of Umuduru, Ehime Mbano

23. HRH Eze Patrick U. Uwalaka, Nlogho II of Umulogho, Obowo

24. HRH Eze C.O. Agbugba, Ojiwuru Obodo IV of Anara, Isiala Mbano

25. HRH Eze Rev. Jude C. Uwalaka, Ihi II of Umuihi, Ihitte Uboma

26. HRH Eze Iheanacho Ndukwe, Agu II of Iheoma Gazoo of Amagu, Okigwe

27. HRH Eze C.N. Eze, Ezeoha I of Okwuato, Onuimo

•PHOTO: Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State with his Deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku, Secretary to Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmas Iwu and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, flanked by members of the newly inaugurated Imo State Traditional Rulers Executive Council led by HRH Eze E.C Okeke(Chairman) after their inauguration by Governor Uzodimma at Government House Owerri...Thursday

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