Our Reporter

The Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, the Most Rev. Peter Okpalaeke, has urged the government to make the traditional community leadership system part of its security strategy.

Okpalaeke spoke on Sunday at the coronation of Igwe Chinwike Okpalaeke as the traditional ruler of Amesi in Aguata Local Government of Anambra State.

He blamed the destruction of culture and values of the people for being partly responsible for the strife and insecurity in the society.

The cleric said every community of people had its peculiar way of resolving issues, adding that everyone used to be under the control of any leader they chose for themselves.

He said although the modern society had its positive contributions to peaceful relationships among the people, the traditional society still had a lot to contribute.

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Okpalaeke, who shared the same family with the new traditional ruler, prayed for a successful and long reign, while urging him to preside over the affairs of his people with the fear of God.

“If we want peace in our society, we must go back to the traditional ways people related to one another; that is what the church is doing by ensuring that families are stronger.

“In the traditional institutions, it is expected that the traditional ruler will make use of the village heads and kindred heads to galvanise the people.

“There is no way a kindred or village will say it does not know its people; it is an effective way of addressing the insecurity in the society.

“Society is drifting because we have forgotten our roots; we must go back to our villages and families and strengthen them.

“Traditional rulers must be fathers to all and take their communities and subjects to God in prayer,” he said.

Chief Innocent Ezeonyebuchi, the traditional prime minister of Amesi town, said the selection of the new traditional ruler was peaceful and in accordance with the laid down rites.

He said the traditional rulers of the town were Christians and it did not take long before deceased ones were replaced.

“We expect that the peace we are enjoying will continue under the new Igwe and call on the people of Amesi and government of Anambra to support him and help him succeed,” he said.

Igwe Okpalaeke thanked the people for finding him worthy to occupy the ancestral throne.

He promised to use his reign to attract more blessings and communal peace.

According to the traditional ruler, “it is my intention to work for peace and harmony at Amesi. I enjoin all to join hands to make our community great.

“Security is that of everybody, I shall work for robust community policing here by ensuring that our vigilance group works with the police,” he said.