The Aguleri Council of elders has ordered four members of the royal family to pay a fine of N1.5 million to appease the gods of the land over alleged sacrilege.

This is coming on the heels of the controversy following the emergence of two traditional rulers in Aguleri.

Recall that shortly after the installation of Dr. Michael Idigo as the new traditional ruler, his brother Prince Gabriel Chika Idigo was also crowned Igwe Aguleri.

Dr. Michael Idigo Chief Michael Idigo was crowned the new traditional ruler of Aguleri following the death Eze Christopher Nwabunwanne Idigo early this year after being on throne for 24 years.

Those fined include; Dr. Michael Idigo who was formally crowned and presented a certificate of recognition by the Anambra State government and Prince Gabriel Chuka Idigo.

Others fined are Prince Fidelis C. Idigo, Prince Mike 0. Idigo and Prince Ike Idigo, council of elders described as their principals and supporters.

Added to the fines were four persons who were also directed to bring one native cow, one white day-old chicken, three big kola nuts depicting the three traditional quarters of Aguleri and 40 big tubers of yam, “for the ablation of their sacrilegious acts.”

The elders further said that whoever that placed the crown on Prince Gabriel Chuka Idigo’s head should also pay a fine of N500,000.”

Also required of them is a letter of apology to Governor Willie Obiano and copy it to the elders for ‘attempting to ridicule the governor for no reason.

The elders, in a statement made available to journalists said: “His Royal Majesty, Dr. Michael Chinemeli Idigo was duly crowned on March 29, 2019, as the traditional ruler of Aguleri, in accordance with Aguleri customs and traditions, in the presence of the Aguleri elders, as well as members of the Aguleri royal cabinet and members of the Aguleri Town Union, at the Royal Hall, and has been recognised as such by the people of Aguleri Kingdom.

“The purported crowning of Prince Gabriel Chuka Idigo apparently in the middle of the night in his living room as a traditional ruler and the subsequent claim in the media that he is the traditional ruler of Aguleri, is a travesty and a breach of Aguleri customs and traditions and is highly abominable.”

The elders warned that any unwarranted attempt by those involved to ridicule the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, who is a distinguished High Chief of Aguleri will not be tolerated.

They called on members of the Idigo royal dynasty to put an end to publications on the issue, to avoid ridiculing Aguleri in public.

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