Umuokane Indigenes Reject Imposition of Eze-elect, Demand Due Process
By Ikenna Orioha
Tension is brewing in Umuokane autonomous community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State following the alleged imposition of an Eze-elect by some individuals. In response, community leaders and stakeholders have reaffirmed their loyalty to the incumbent monarch, His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. Matthew Chiedozie Nwokoma (Eze Okaome IV), insisting he remains the legitimate traditional ruler of Umuokane.
Addressing members of the Ohaji/Egbema Practicing Journalists during a visit to his palace on Sunday, Eze Nwokoma emphasized that he is still the reigning monarch and that the attempt to install another ruler is illegitimate and destabilizing.
Eze Nwokoma, who ascended the throne following the death of his elder brother—resigning from the Nigeria Police Force to uphold the community’s hereditary succession system—highlighted the progress and peace achieved during his reign. He cited improvements in security, unity, orderliness, and development as key milestones of his leadership.
“I have no objection to the creation of additional autonomous communities within Umuokane,” the monarch said, “but it must be done through proper legal and traditional processes. Any attempt to impose a new leadership structure without due process is bound to bring chaos, as seen in other communities across Imo State.”
A known peace ambassador and security expert, Eze Nwokoma warned those instigating conflict for personal gain to desist or risk incurring the wrath of the ancestors. He noted that Umuokane was once recognized by the United Nations as the most peaceful community in Nigeria, an achievement he attributes to inclusive leadership and communal harmony.
“We have one recognized autonomous community and one traditional ruler—HRM Eze Dr. Matthew Chiedozie Nwokoma. If the state government creates new autonomous communities lawfully, we will welcome them. But forced imposition will only breed conflict. Peace is priceless, while war is costly and destructive,” he said.
The monarch added that his throne remains unaffected by the creation of any new community, reiterating his prominent roles in various traditional councils, including:
- Head of Security and Conflict Resolution, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers
- Chairman, Ethics and Privileges, South East Council of Traditional Rulers
- Security Coordinator, Southern Council of Traditional Rulers
- Chairman, Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV)
He urged residents to remain calm and continue to pursue the collective development of the community.
In separate remarks, Umuokane Town Union President-General, Sir Bethel Enyinna; Chief Ohaji Akujuobi; and former Leader of Ohaji/Egbema Legislative Council, Hon. Nicholas Ekeh, all reaffirmed their support for Eze Nwokoma. They described him as a unifying force and credited him for the prevailing peace and progress in the community.
“We are not against the formation of new autonomous communities, but it must be done peacefully, legally, and with the involvement of the entire community,” they stated. “Any Ezeship imposed through manipulation or force is unacceptable and doomed to fail. Our ancestors will not condone such injustice.”
The community leaders emphasized that the only legitimate Eze of Umuokane remains Eze Dr. Matthew Chiedozie Nwokoma, urging those seeking power through unlawful means to respect tradition and due process.
