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Yesterday, the Abia State government made it clear that it won’t take the High Court’s ruling on the coronation of Prince Eberechukwu Oji as the 9th Eze Arochukwu lying down.
The state is actively considering its next move in response to the court’s decision, which was handed down in Nkwoagu, Umunneochi Council, and could potentially upset the monarch’s reign.
The State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, informed the press that his office had received the court order and was currently scrutinizing its contents, with a view to making a decision in due course.
Justice Chido Nwakanma’s ruling on suit HUM/1/2024 ordered the state government to rescind the symbolic staff of office granted to Eberechukwu Oji and prohibited him from assuming the role of Eze Aro, the 9th, pending the outcome of the main lawsuit.
The suit was filed by the President General, Ibom Isii, Mazi Adolphus Nwankwo (for himself and on behalf of Ibom Isii); Mazi Kingsley Kanu Okoro Oke (for himself and members of the Kanu Okoro Oke and Asi Eko royal ruling families of Oro Okennachi); and Mazi Dike Ezenta (for himself and on behalf of all concerned ‘Umu Aro for Justice and Equity’ from the 19 villages of Arochukwu kingdom.
The list of defendants features Mazi Udo Chijioke, Pastor Eberechukwu Oji (also referred to as Nwa Mazi), a group of pastors scheduled to participate in the coronation, Sammy Wonder, and the Abia State Attorney-General.
Read also: Engineer, 50, Ascends Throne As 9th Monarch Of Arochukwu
Others are Governor Alex Otti, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu; the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Eze Kanu Nwa Kanu, and Mazi Godwin Idei Kanu Okoro Oke.
The claimants maintained that the coronation of Godwin Kanu Idei as the 9th Eze Aro on October 20, 2023, superseded Eze Aro Eberechukwu Oji’s claim, as Idei was crowned before Oji.
The recent court ruling has effectively hit the reset button, requiring all parties to revert to their original positions and circumstances prior to the filing of the lawsuit. Additionally, the court has issued a protective order, shielding Godwin Kanu Idei from any form of harassment or intimidation at the hands of the respondents.
