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Chief Samuel Opuh secures the position as the newly crowned traditional leader of Oshiri autonomous community in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Following the demise of J.U.O. Nwogo, the community’s revered traditional ruler, four years ago, multiple endeavors to appoint a successor have been met with frustration.
In a fiercely contested election among eight candidates within the community, Opuh secured triumph with a total of 10 votes, edging out his closest contender, Njoku Harrison, who garnered nine votes. Obasi Nweze trailed closely with seven votes, followed by Ifeanyi Nwagu with six votes. Pius Okoro secured a solitary vote, while three other contenders failed to accrue any votes.
Addressing the residents of his community post his enthronement as Ezeogo Opuh Akpataeze I of Oshiri, Opuh vowed to instill tranquility, foster solidarity among his community members, rejuvenate moral principles, and catalyze progress along with interconnections.
‘What is happening today in our society is very bad. Our youths are driven by obligations to evil and vices and this is what I plan to pay serious attention to. Peace and even development are also my priorities.
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‘As a traditional ruler, if you don’t link up with your neighbouring communities, you don’t link up with the state, and you don’t link up at the national level, there is nothing you can do for your community,’ he stated.
He urged his competitors to collaborate with him in fostering community growth, highlighting his diverse service record as a compelling reason for his suitability as the traditional leader.
Several community stakeholders, such as Chief Odefa Obasi and Honorable Agu Opuh, the Oshiri Development Centre coordinator, praised the selection of the new traditional leader, anticipating that his installment would foster cohesion due to his proven track record of community service.
The electoral process was observed by officials from both the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as delegates from the Onicha Local Government Area.
