‘Monarchs outside their domains should be dethroned’

By Chris Njoku, Owerri

Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State, Rev. Chidi Collins Oparaojiaku has urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to compel traditional rulers of the 700 autonomous communities in the state to henceforth reside in their various domains or to vacate their stool.

He noted that once any traditional ruler stays in his community, he would ensure peace and harmony of the environment. But if he runs to a safer environment, peace would remain elusive.

“The office of those who refuse to take up residence in their communities should be advertised for willing people who are ready to take up the challenge,” he stated.

He lamented that while no sitting state governor ever stays outside his state, about 90 per cent of the monarchs in the state take up residence in other people’s localities from where they lord themselves over their people.

He warned that insecurity would continue unabated as long as the monarchs who are the custodians of their communities are allowed to take up residence in Owerri, Abuja, Port Harcourt USA, UK and Europe.

“They come home, cause troubles and then run out to hide somewhere safe for them.”

The Prelate stated this in his presidential address at the Session of the 4th Synod of the diocese which had the theme “Mission as Never before Fundamentals: Epitomising and Gospelising our Mandate” (Luke 5) held at the Anglican Church of the Redeemer Orduga Umuokanne Parish.

Bishop Oparaojiaku, who denounced the security challenges in the state, the spate of extra-judicial killings, destruction of government facilities and deluge of military and police roadblocks argued that one of the best ways to curb insecurity from local government areas is to make the village heads or Ezes and President-Generals of various communities responsible for any crime that happened in their localities.