The Transition Committee Chairman of Owerri North council area of Imo State, Hon. (Mrs.) Ndidi Iheme, has formally acknowledged the presentation of Prof. Amobi Mike Uwaleke as Eze-elect for Obibi Uratta autonomous community in the LGA, describing it as decision devoid of selfishness.

Following his presentation to the council in line with the customary laws of the state, Prof. Uwaleke replaces late HRH, Eze Pius Ukaga who was (Eze Udo 3) of Obibi Uratta community.

Presenting the Eze-elect to the council, the Chairman, Obibi Ezeship Selection Committee, Chief Marcus Onwuanibe (Aboshi) said that the new Eze's selection was a unanimous decision of members of the community, adding that the committee after their inauguration warned every person interested in the stool to steer clear of any violence to avoid the break down of law and order, expressing joy that the directive necessitated the peaceful emergence of Prof. Uwaleke.

According to Chief Aboshi, the emergence of Prof. Uwaleke was one project every citizen of the community participated actively in, pointing out that following his formal presentation to the council, their people would now relax for his coronation at the expiration of one year mourning period for their late monarch, Eze Ukaga as a mark of respect.

He therefore enjoined the people to continue to support the new monarch who, according to him is determined to continue to fight for their cause in ensuring the development of the area, which he said should have been far developed than other neighbouring communities by virtue of her position as host community of Owerri North LGA, while appealing to the new monarch to rule with the fear of God.

Receiving the new Eze, TC Chairman of the council, Hon. (Mrs.) Iheme expressed happiness on the peaceful conduct of Obibi people which she said led to the emergence of a university don as Eze-elect, adding that as Chairman of the council, they were not empowered to impose traditional rulers on any community, but were authorized by law to receive traditional rulers based on people’s mandate.

She therefore commended Obibi people for taking a bold step in selecting a new monarch to chart a new cause for the community following the death of the former royal father, and described the new Eze elect as a disciplined and principled scholar who knows his onus in community administration, while calling on members of his area to give him every necessary support to succeed on the throne.

While responding, the Eze-elect, Prof. Uwaleke expressed joy over his choice as traditional ruler of Obibi community, and assured of his sincere willingness to continue to attract relevant social amenities that would enhance the well being of their people, while thanking them for finding him worthy of the position.

In attendance were traditional rulers of Ihitta Oha community, HRH Eze (Dr.) Okoro (Chairman, Owerri North Council of Traditional Rulers), HRH Eze Akujiobi David Osuagwu of (Awaka Community), HRH Eze Onyima 1 of Onyima in Owerri Municipal Council, other traditional rulers from Ngor Okpala, the Obibi Uratta King Makers, youths, women and well wishers among others.

•Photo shows Eze-elect, Prof. Amobi Mike Uwaleke.

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