The residents of the Udi community in Enugu State’s Udi Local Government Area have pleaded with the state government to recognize Chief Sam Aneke, a retired controller of customs, as their traditional leader.
The request was made on Friday when a large crowd of locals flocked to Aneke’s house in Udi town.
They all agreed that Aneke should succeed Okwuluoha IV of the old kingdom of Udi as the next traditional ruler.
The appeal was made a few years after HRH, Igwe Chris Ogakwu, the Okwuluoha 3rd of the ancient kingdom of Udi, passed away.
The meeting was based on the choice of well-meaning residents of Udi town to elect their traditional ruler in a peaceful manner, said Chief Simeon Eze, Secretary of the Igwe’s cabinet, speaking on behalf of the group.
Chief Eze regretted that the previous election of traditional rulers ended up in a rancour which in turn caused underdevelopment in the community.
However, he claimed that after considering all the qualified applicants, the community had determined that Aneke was deserving of taking the vacant stool.
“We are here to honor those who deserve it and to pay homage to them. This never occurred in the history of the neighborhood. Elections for Okwuluoha 1, 2, and 3 have been contentious, competitive, and problematic. Typically, it concludes in court five to six years after the winner is declared.
But today, well-intentioned Uditown residents, including the elderly, children, women, members of the Igwe’s cabinet, and progressive unions, urged we must stop electing our Igwe in a disorderly manner and instead conduct the election calmly. To keep things moving, we had to look for someone deserving and capable in both character and education.
“So, that is the reason we have come together today. We have assessed all the eligible people and found Chief Sam Aneke worthy. We want to let everyone know that God has purposed for us to be here today. It is preordained since we have never experienced such serenity throughout our customary rule of the Udi old kingdom, which began in 1976.
âThe Okwuluoha 2 was never a cabinet member of Okwuluoha 1 and Okwuluoha 3, was never a cabinet member of Okwuluoha 2 but this time around, Chief Aneke who is going to ascend the throne by our collective wish is a member of the traditional council; apart from being a member, he is a member of upper cabinet in Aborgu and a Prime minister. According to our constitution, he qualifies because his family are expected to produce the next Igwe, he stated.
The election of the previous traditional rulers, including his late father, the Okwuluoha 2 of the ancient kingdom of Udi, was unusual, according to Hon. Tony Eneh, a former member of the House of Representatives.
He appealed to the Enugu State government to speed up the process and do the needful.
The women’s and youth leaders, Mrs. Ngozi Agbo and Ikenna Chime, respectively, also spoke, praising the community of Udi town and stating that they had never had it so well.
They proclaimed their unwavering support for Chief Aneke and added that he must be the leader or nobody should be.
Responding, Chief Aneke, who is also the Prime minister of the community, expressed surprise, assuring them of his readiness to render service to the community.
He encouraged the people to work toward maintaining the peace that God had given them while promising to take everyone along.
He promised to provide excellent leadership and safeguard the traditions of the former kingdom of Udi.
âI am overwhelmed. I’m surprised by this. In the history of Udi town, nothing like what you did today has ever occurred. God brought back the calm. I’ll see to it that the peace is maintained and that our community grows quickly.
“I’ve agreed to serve you on behalf of my family, friends, and relatives. Let’s try to maintain the peace that God has given us by joining forces. Leadership is for everyone, not a one person thing. By me, I am helpless.
“I am compelled by the will of God to comply with your request and demand. The goal of your approach and demand is to benefit the Udi people.
“As a custodian of culture, I will protect the culture of our community and provide exceptional leadership. Nothing will be accomplished without the support of our people, he promised, and I will bring everyone along.
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