The enmity between the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, and Eze Cletus Ikechukwu Ilomuanya, traditional ruler of Obinugwu Orlu and Chairman of South-East Traditional Rulers Council, reached a climax last night when the state government announced his dethronement.

Also dethroned is Eze Cosmos Onyeneke, the traditional ruler of Lagwa Autonomous community in Aboh Mbaise.

A statement issued last night in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, by the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Prof. A.G. Anwukah, said the dethronement was with immediate effect. The statement was silent on the sins of the two traditional rulers.

The statement said: “In accordance with Sections 11 and 14 of the Imo State Traditional Rulers Autonomous Communities Law No 6 of 2006, His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has approved the withdrawal of certificates of recognition and Staff of Office of Eze Cletus Ikechukwu Ilomuanya, the traditional ruler of Obinugwu Autonomous community in Orlu Local Government Area and Eze Cosmos Onyeneke, the traditional ruler of Lagwa Autonomous community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State with immediate effect. “Accordingly, Chief Cletus Ikechukwu Ilomuanya and Chief Cosmos Onyeneke cease to be recognized traditional rulers of Obinugwu and Lagwa Autonomous communities respectively.

“The secretaries of the Community Government Council of the respective autonomous communities will be liaising with the government on behalf of each of the affected autonomous communities pending the selection and presentation of an Eze-elect in accordance with the custom and constitution of each of the affected communities.”

•Photo shows dethroned Eze Cletus Ikechukwu Ilomuanya, Chairman of South-East Traditional Rulers Council.