The Ebonyi State Government has waded into the crisis rocking the Izzo Ezza autonomous community in Ezilo, Ishielu Local Government Area, over the selection of a new traditional ruler.

Tensions had flared following the creation of a new autonomous community between the two Ezza clans, sparking disputes over the Igweship stool. However, government intervention helped calm the situation after hours of deliberations led by the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Chief Mathias Adum. Also present were the Commissioners for Internal Security, Information, Peace and Conflict Resolution, the Ishielu Local Government Chairman, a state lawmaker, and community stakeholders.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Adum urged residents to maintain peace, assuring that the election among the seven contestants would be transparent and free from imposition.

“The winner will emerge through a democratic process, and whoever wins will be crowned Igwe,” he said, stressing the need to preserve existing peace.

One of the leading contestants, Chief Monday Joseph Ogbule, pledged to complement Governor Francis Nwifuru’s efforts in ensuring lasting peace in the area. He noted that the community had resolved to conduct elections without interference or imposition of candidates.

Another contestant, Chief Orugbala Sunday Oche, expressed confidence in his candidacy, recalling his peaceful tenure as Town Union President. “I believe that is why the community is asking me to serve as traditional ruler,” he said.

The Commissioner for Information, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebeh, commended the community’s willingness to dialogue with government, noting that their presence at the meeting reflected a desire for peace.

Similarly, the Deputy Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwu Arinze, described the contest as a normal democratic process, assuring that free and fair elections would be conducted.

The President General of the community, Comrade Ojeogu Ikechukwu, said government had directed aspirants to first reconcile with their people before contesting, in line with its peace-first agenda.

“We are determined to conduct a transparent election for the Igweship seat. Whoever wins will be crowned. We also assure Governor Francis Nwifuru of peace in our community because we cannot afford another crisis,” Ojeogu stated. (Vanguard)