Category: SouthEast

A renowned Igbo traditionalist, Dr. Ramas Okoye Asuzu has appealed to warring communities over the selection of a successor to the late Eze Nri, Eze Obidiegwu Onyesoh to be circumspect, writes Gbubemi Covenant

In what could best be described as an elder’s clamour and contribution to peace in Igbo land, Dr Ramas Okoye Asuzu, a revered Igbo traditionalist, has given a concise narrative of the history of the ancient Kingdom of Nri, which he said is in “its truest, unadulterated perspective.”

Speaking at his palace in Uruofolo, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Asuzu traced the movement of the ancient kingdom back to the remotest prehistory and made a passionate appeal to the warring Igbo communities to sheathe their swords.

”Nri Kingdom” he said, “is universally acclaimed by historians and oral tradition as the ancestral home of the Igbos and the epicenter of Igbo civilisation. It occupies a religious, social and spiritual position regarded as sacred in Igboland. The kingdom is composed of six villages namely Umudiana, Uruofolo (Uru ofo na Alo), Ekwenaika and Diodo (Nrinamoke). These villages are collectively referred to as Ifite Nri or (Akamkpisi na Diodo). They are the aborigines (earliest settlers) of the kingdom and also referred to as Ikenga Nri.

”In 1043 AD, there occurred a wave of migrations into the kingdom through Aguleri via Ugbene. Led by one Menri, these migrants first settled in Mkpume Onyilenyi in Enugu-Ukwu. By negotiations and the grace of the people of Ifite Nri, they finally settled at Agukwu, which was a farmland of the Ifite Nri community. These settlers today constitute the other three villages of Nri Kingdom, namely: Agbadana, Uruoji and Obeagu. They are collectively referred to as Agukwu Nri. Thus the kingdom is structured along a sharp divide namely – Ifite Nri (Akamkpisi na Diodo) and Agukwu Nri (the latter settlers) who are also referred to as Ezi Nri. This structure resulted in the two divides being autonomous, as they lived separately, independent of the other, with own tradition and leadership.”

It was gathered that the storm of division began to gather in 1115AD, when Nrinamoke VII (the traditional head of Ifite Nri (Ikenga Nri) took ill.

”Neglected by his Diodo clan, Nrinamoke VII was prompted to enlist the care of his nephew, Nribuife who graciously took good care of him. In appreciation of his devotion and care, Nrinamoke VII bestowed on Nribuife the right to the kingship stool, which he gladly accepted.  But Nrinamoke VII in his wisdom went further to compel Nribuife to swear on the Ofo na Alo (the symbol of authority) that the kingship which he was bestowing on him never departs from his (Nrinamoke) palace.

”The Adamas (kingmakers from Umudiana) coroneted Nribuife at Ekeagu in Ifite Nri, where he established his temple (Obu Nribuife). After his coronation, however, Nribuife relocated to Agukwu quarter of Nri, taking with him the Ofo na Alo. By this singular action, the kingdom was inadvertently unified as the Ofo na Alo of the two separate communities have become unified.

Thus it was Nribuife who amalgamated the two autonomous communities of Ifite and Ezi Nri as a unified entity collectively known today as Nri. After the death of Nribuife and with the Ofo na Alo now residing in Agukwu, they (Agukwu section) of the kingdom took advantage of the situation that has now played into their hands to hatch an unwholesome conspiracy.

Through intrigues, subterfuge and calculated distortion of historical facts, they conspired to introduce a rotational kingship system, using the blood lineage of Nribuife to technically restrict the rotation exclusively amongst the three migrant villages of Uruoji, Agbadana and Obeagu, contrary to the sworn injunction by Nrinamoke VII that the kingship should not depart from the Umunri clan. In this way, they arrogated to themselves a stranglehold on the traditional stool of Nri Kingdom.

”According to the scholar, this breach by the people of Agukwu Nri sowed the seed of discord and division between Ifite (Ikenga) Nri (the aborigines) and Ezi (Agukwu) Nri (the migrants) which has now lasted for all of 903 years.

He continued: “This situation was made worse by the Mbadinuju administration, which ignorantly took sides in the matter by giving Certificate of Recognition to Obidiegwu Onyeso from the Agukwu section and by this singular act, compounded the whole issue of succession almost beyond redemption.

”These rumblings of division and imminent implosion in the kingdom came to a crisis point in 1927. The recurrent succession issues came to a head after Obalike from Uruoji village, who was crowned king in 1887 died in 1927. After the death of Obalike, it was equitably the turn of Agbadana village to produce a successor. But one Okpoko usurped this right and was vehemently challenged by Tabansi Udene.

The situation degenerated to a point that produced a crack in the ranks of the Adama (kingmakers), prompting them to crown both contenders. With two kings on the saddle, the kingdom watched as both tried to undo each other even through fetish means. The situation continued until 1935 when Okpoko died mysteriously and Tabansi became the unchallenged Eze Nri in 1937. Tabansi refused to be persuaded to settle the issue of succession during his lifetime and after his death in 1979, the issue reared its ugly head in very dangerous dimensions.

”As a contingency measure, the kingdom unanimously endorsed Tabansi’s son to ascend his father’s throne in the capacity of a Regent for seven years to allow time for the order of succession to be decisively settled. But after seven years and with no solution in sight, the Agukwu Community took late Obidiegwu Onyesoh to Aguleri to be coroneted as Eze Nri, contrary to the tradition of Nri Kingdom and without the consent of the Adama (Kingmakers).

”But the move was vehemently resisted by the kingdom. With a new President General, Oba Kelvin Obaegbunam, who promised to reconcile all factions in the kingdom now in the saddle, it is the popular wish that, in the overriding interest of the ancient Kingdom, Uruofolo community should be the next village to produce a successor to the throne in all considerations.

”As a proportional response, the Ifite Nri community also coroneted their own Eze Nri P.C Ogbumuo as Nrinamoke VIII. He was coroneted by the Adama and the Ifite Nri community who proclaimed themselves as Ikenga Nri with an autonomous status which they have thereafter sought to legitimatise in the court. The matter is now at the Supreme Court level.

”Now, in his capacity as the father of the kingdom, apex title holder and custodian of the kingdom’s values, Asuzu sought a way out for his people.

”It is a matter of great regret that the historical significance of Nri is becoming extinct as a result of the recurrent bickering going on in the ancient kingdom. The kingdom is in tatters as a result of a deluge of succession issues that has torn the kingdom apart. It is sad that some illustrious sons of the kingdom are fanning the embers of this division in rather very partisan ways.

”But the Igbos says that an elder cannot be at home while a she goat gives birth in its tethers. I therefore deem it as my patriotic duty to the kingdom as a worthy son of Nri and the holder of the apex chieftaincy title in the kingdom (Ezeoba Akajiofor Ndigbo Gburugburu), to advice that we resolve the issues tearing us apart in more inspiring and mature ways by showing some form of accommodation for one another and to approach the issue of succession with a sense of equity, justice and good conscience.

”We owe the Igbo race a duty of care as role models in the affairs of Igboland. Setting an undignified precedent will amount to a betrayal of confidence reposed on the ancient kingdom by the Igbos.”

Asserting that no amount of litigation or hate speech can decisively resolve this matter, Asuzu said this generation has in their hands the power to cancel out differences by doing the equitable thing that will guarantee a sense of belonging to all Nri sons and daughters.

In his conclusion, Asuzu said, “For a long time we have stood the truth on its head. For once let us be true to ourselves in name and in fact. Let’s talk peace, not war. Let’s avert this doomsday situation that has the potential of unleashing a devastating catastrophe on the kingdom. We owe posterity and our cherished kingdom a breath of fresh air.”

Asuzu also stressed that succession to the throne is not predicated on educational attainment or mediocrity.

“Most wise counsels are not from educated men or women. For one thing, a traditional leader should be a man of wisdom, versed in the traditions of his people and must have public appeal. It is not entrusted on people of doubtful genealogies, unstable broken homes and failed marriages.”

• Covenant, an ex-journalist, sent this piece from Anambra State

What would it take to bring peace to Ebonyi State communities which are often at war with their neighbours in adjoining states? In the latest clash between Igbeagu community in Ebonyi, and Ukele in Cross River, 10 persons were killed and about 7,000 persons displaced. OGOCHUKWU ANIOKE reports

It is an ugly development to get used to, but everyone in Ebonyi State knows that bloody communal clashes are the order of the day. Most of the major battles are fought with communities in neighbouring Cross River State, but sometimes Ebonyi settlements also lock horns with their Abia, Enugu or even Benue counterparts. The latest one between Igbeagu in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi and Ukele Community in Yala Local government Area of Cross River left 10 persons dead, over 1,500 houses burnt, and about 7,000 residents forced from their homes.

There have been several interventions to end the hostilities. Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has visited the communities and appealed for peace. His staff members have also made peace overtures. In some cases, security was strengthened in the hot spots.

None of the interventions have worked. The communities are still hacking at one another, just as they have done for decades, in some cases.

Sample some of the major disputes:

Ikwo-Adadama

This crisis between Item-Amagu Ikwo community in Ikwo local government and the people of Adadama in Cross River state is said to be decades old.  The land dispute between these two communities has been bloody, claiming hundreds of lives in attacks and counterattacks over the years.

Azuoffia-Edda-Obubra

This crisis erupted last year and led to destruction of many lives and property after decades of peace.

Ofunakpa-Obubra

This crisis between Ofunakpa in Ikwo local government of Ebonyi and Obubra in Cross River has always claimed many lives. In the latest instalment in February this year, three policemen were beheaded.

Ofioji-Izzi-Ijutun-Idoru-Obubra

The Ofioji, Izzi Local Government area of Ebonyi and their Ijutun-Idoru of Obubra have been at war for decades with the recent outbreak last year claiming about eight lives including that of a pregnant woman.

Mgbo-Agila

The Mgbo in Ohaukwu versus Agila in Benue sate crisis is another decades-long crisis that refused to go away. Though it has not reignited in recent times there is still tension in the area as both sides sleep with one eye open.

Ekoli-Edda-Ibor

Ekoli Edda and Ibor, Cross River Crisis reignited recently with one person killed on the Ebonyi side and many others injured as both sides clashed over a palm plantation owned by both sides.

Ishiagu-Lopkanta 

The Ishiagu in Ivo Lga and Lokpanta in umunneochi LGA of Abia state boundary dispute has spanned over 60 years. It has equally claimed many lives. The latest instalment was last year though no life was lost in that incident over which Ebonyi Speaker, Francis Nwifuru wrote to his Abia counterpart seeking collaboration to end the crisis.

Igbeagu Izzi-Ukele-Yala 

This is the latest crisis, a boundary dispute that began in 2003 and has not yet been resolved.

Though the reason for the resumption of hostilities between the two once friendly communities is yet to be ascertained, The Nation check shows that about 7,000 residents of Igbeagu have been displaced while over 1,500 houses were burnt.

Many lives have been lost and property worth millions of naira destroyed.  Over 10 people at Igbeagu were killed, among them a pregnant woman, children and the elderly.

Governor Umahi said the people of Cross River killed about 10 persons in Igbeagu.

Umahi while condemning the clashes in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, said the killings have reinforced his assertion that his Cross River neighbours are on a mission to exterminate his people.

The police in Ebonyi said they were yet to ascertain the number of casualties in the crisis..

A statement from the governor’s office stated, “It is with great shock that Governor David Umahi received the news of the carnage in Izzi Local Government Area of the state following an alleged attack by their Cross River State neighbours in which over 10 persons including a pregnant woman and two children were reported killed.

“There is no doubt that Ebonyi State has been at the receiving end of the war since the inception of the killings and yesterday killings have further vindicated my earlier outcry that there was unabated war to eliminate our people at the border communities”.

“The killings are unacceptable to me as the chief security officer of my people and one whose constitutional duty is to ensure security of life and property of my people. Therefore I call on Mr President to revisit my earlier outcry over the systematic war going on between the people of Izzi and Cross River state and save my people from annihilation”.

The governor also called on all security agencies to come to their aid by bringing a lasting solution to the killings while he expressed optimism that his brother Governor, Ben Ayade will help in amicable resolution of the crisis.

But Mr. Vincent Egbe, the Community Relations Officer to Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, said the crisis claimed about 20 lives.

According to him, the Ebonyi counterparts started the crisis when they attacked a woman in her farm.

He further said two villages were razed on Friday in the raging inter-communal conflict.

Mr Egbe said the conflict is over farmland along their common border and has been recurring at intervals especially during yam and rice planting seasons. He said the conflict which started in 2003 has claimed many lives.

Speaking further, Mr Egbe said that on Wednesday some youths in Ipuolo village returning from a meeting were reportedly waylaid by their Izzi counterparts leaving many of them with gunshot wounds.

Mr Egbe further alleged that the Friday killings and burning of houses started when some Izzi assailants invaded the venue of a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer for the Area and his Ebonyi State counterpart to find a peaceful resolution to the matter.

“We were already in the meeting venue waiting for the arrival of the DPOs from Yala and Izzi Local Government Areas when some youths invaded the venue of the meeting and shot into the crowd and wounded many people”.

Egbe said the Ukele youths mobilised and managed to repel the attackers and it was in the ensuing battle that the village of Nkaleke and Nduabonyi were razed and many people also lost their lives.

“They are the aggressors and all our people have been trying to do is to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict yet they keep launching attacks on us”.

Reacting to the development, a native of the area, Nkwuda Monday stressed that on the day both sides decided to seize fire and come for a truce, shooting came from both sides but that the people Ukele in Yala local government area of Cross River never wanted to resolve the matter.

He alleged that Ukele people hired assassins from Taraba State to enable them prosecute war against Izzi people even as their houses and other properties were destroyed by the Ukele people.

“The issue is that this is farming season and the citizens of the area are all farmers. When it clash was developing, the army intervened; the accusation levelled against Izzi indigenes was that they cultivated on the buffer zone while the Izzi said they did not; But as the dispute escalated, a Major from the Nkwagu Military Cantonment came for peace talks with others to resolve the matter.”

It is indeed a fact that most teenagers find it extremely challenging to choose a career they will pursue in life. Students are torn between yielding to the dictates of their parents and relying on their own passions.

But young students in Imo State got a headway recently with the flagging off of a Career Development Seminar by a non-governmental organisation, the Virgin Heart Foundation for Primary and Secondary Schools in the rural areas of the state.

At the maiden edition of the seminar at  Ihiagwa Secondary School in Owerri West Council Area of the State, the convener and founder of the Virgin Heart Foundation, Dike Peace expressed worry that most children resident in rural areas, especially the girl child are not given the opportunity to aspire to become great.

She pointed out that discrimination against female children is still very high in most of the villages, a situation she observed has affected their ability to identify and pursue careers they are passionate about, apart from waiting helplessly to be married off.

Dike also noted that social and environmental influences and emulation of wrong values have also blurred the chances of the young ones at choosing the right careers.

According to her, most of the young people in secondary schools make the wrong choices because they are exposed to and influenced by the lifestyle of people to see as role models.

Majority of them she observed are also carried away by the make-believe life of celebrities they watch on television and read about “and this also go a long way to influence their choice of careers”.

She also blamed the parents for not diligently observing their children to find out those areas of human endeavor they are passionate about and to encourage them to develop on their potentials but would rather force their will on their children.

She said, “Parents have a serious role to play in guarding their children in choosing their careers, which is of course the deciding moment in their lives because once you choose the wrong career, you will feel like you are living the life of another person and you won’t find fulfillment”.

Dike opined that “most young people make poor choices as a result of the influence of parents on their children’s choice of career, the decisions they make in their early life, what school to go to and the subjects to study, the decision to go to university, the courses to choose can impact their career path. If this decision is heavily swayed by parental preference, the child may end up following a vocation that, deep down, they are not interested in”.

She advised parents to desist from the practice or coercing their children into studying courses or taking up careers they think are money spinning or more lucrative, without first of all knowing if the child is passionate about that course of study.

“Most parents,” she said, “have the wrong impression that there are certain careers that are money spinning and because probably a neighbour’s child succeeded in that career, every other person must do that and also succeed”.

She advised the students who were gathered for the seminar in a large number to always strive to identify the areas they are passionate about and to pursue their passion with determination, “be careful in choosing what you want to study, don’t be guided by what others are doing, take time to study yourself and know your areas of competencies and passion”.

Dike further enjoined the students to adopt the culture of hard work and always set goals for themselves, “you must learn to set goals for yourselves, dream up what you want to become and pursue it with determination, don’t be distracted by the challenges you encounter, nothing great ever come easy or without a price tag”.

She also identified mentoring as one of the ways to help groom the children and help them in choosing the appropriate careers, “ideal role models and mentoring process will also go a long way to inspire the students to making the right choices. You can note that students who have affinities with educated people have greater chances of making the right career choices than those who do not”.

One of the resource persons, Mrs. Claire Iwunze Okeke, while delivering her message during the campaign, called on students to work according to their passion.  She encouraged female students to go for careers dominated by their male counterparts.

Okeke also urged the female students to aspire higher life with greater motivation without allowing anyone bring them down.

The Principal of the school Mrs. Margaret Udeze, in her response commended the NGO for giving back to the society by motivating the students and distributing writing materials to the students. She said the school will collaborate with the NGO to in promoting career consciousness among the students.

Peace Mass Logistics (PML) international service, a courier subsidiary of Peace Mass Transit (PMT), has ýentered into partnership with a courier firm, United Parcel Services (UPS).

The partnership agreement was with a view to increasing operation bases of both courier firms with quality services to their customers.

The chairman Peace Group of Companies, Chief Sam Maduka Onyishi said at the occasion that PML has established 48 branches worldwide and thanked UPS for choosing it as a partner.

He assured them that ýthe PML has the resources to keep the partnership aglow, adding that they hope to learn a lot from UPS as “a firm that has wide range of coverage worldwide”.

Onyishi said the guiding principle of his group of companies is service first before money.

Noting that doing business in Nigeria is difficult due to security challenges, he nonetheless assured that “we will put in our best to make UPS more popular, better performance and increase in revenue.”

The Managing Director UPS West Africa, Mr. Mark Fischer in an earlier remark said the increase in customer services demand for security and dependability informed the need for the partnership.