KINGSLEY EBERE
The Chairman of Nze na Ozo in Umuchu town, Anambra State, Ozo Chinedu Ezeoha, a.k.a. Ijerenze, has reportedly been summoned by the DSS over the suspended proposed award of 25 Chieftaincy titles while the wife of Igwe Umuchu is still in the mortuary.
P.M.EXPRESS gathered that Ijerenze and two other members of Igwe Gody Ezechukwu’s cabinet were summoned by the State Security to explain what they know about the award of the 25 Chieftaincy titles to the indigenes of Umuchu town.
Security sources stated that Ijerenze was summoned not because he committed any crime but to give insight on the controversial chieftaincy titles as a member of the Igwe Umuchu cabinet.
It was not yet confirmed if Ijerenze had gone to the DSS office to explain any role he played on the chieftaincy titles award as his phone number was switched off when contacted by our correspondent.
There has been reactions since the issue of the chieftaincy titles was exposed by Hon Akwaeke after the members of the cabal in the town reportedly collected the sum of N380,000 for both the title and drinks from 25 indigenes for various titles earlier slated for 30th December, 2024 before it backfired.
Many indigenes condemned it outrightly. Apart from the unprecedented number of the recipients, it was being organized during the period the Igwe of Umuchu town was mourning his wife who is still in the mortuary.
Some of the indigenes thought that it will not be possible because the wife of the Igwe passed on and has not been buried. But later it became clear that the members of the cabal in Umuchu were adamant and had decided to give the titles in unprecedented numbers in the history of Umuchu traditional title giving.
Engr Joe Ezeanya described it as insensitivity on the part of the organizers because it appeared as if mocking the deceased because it is the Igwe, who is still mourning, that is expected to give the chieftaincy titles to the recipients.
Another indigene, Engr Samuel Ezekwo, also raised alarm and described it as an abomination, sacrilege and desecration of the tradition and culture. He stated that people are discussing and planning how to succeed the beloved Igwe, Godson Ezechukwu, when he is still alive and mourning his wife. Mother General, First Lady of Umuchu.
This may have led to the Anambra State Government through the Ministry of Local Government and chieftaincy affairs placing the embargo and directing that no chieftaincy title should be awarded in Umuchu town.
The letter from the Anambra State Government also directed that no Ofalla festival should be conducted in Umuchu town now the late Igwe’s wife is still in the mortuary.
The letter was addressed to the President General of Umuchu town and signed by the permanent secretary, Dr Nwabufo Nwankwo on behalf of the Commissioner and copied to the traditional ruler of Umuchu town, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, DSS, Mayor, Aguata Local Government, Special adviser on security, Area Commander and others.
The DSS may have acted based on the letter, which may have led to the summoning of some members of the Igwe’s cabinet including Ijerenze in Umuchu town.
