Traditional rulers from Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South local government areas have intensified calls for peace and strict adherence to an existing zoning arrangement, urging stakeholders to allow the Ohuhu clan complete its agreed two tenures in the House of Representatives.
- +Abia monarchs insist on zoning compliance
The monarchs made the call during a cross-community meeting held at the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Eze Iheanyichukwu Abel Ezeigbo.
The monarchs made the call during a cross-community meeting held at the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Eze Iheanyichukwu Abel Ezeigbo.
Addressing the gathering on Friday, the traditional ruler warned that rising political agitations by aspirants from other areas could trigger avoidable tension if not carefully managed.
Speaking on behalf of the Ohuhu Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, said the intervention was necessary to preserve peace and uphold a long-standing agreement guiding the rotation of the federal constituency seat.
According to him, the zoning formula established decades ago ensures that each bloc occupies the House of Representatives position for two tenures before it rotates.
“We are not here for politics or to promote any individual. Our message is clear—allow Ohuhu complete its two tenures as agreed. That is the only way to maintain peace, fairness and mutual respect,” he said.
Also speaking, His Royal Eminence, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu of Umudiawa Kingdom, reiterated that the appeal was based on an agreement that has existed for over 30 years.
He said, “We are reminding our brothers of what we all agreed upon. This is about equity and justice. Let Ohuhu complete its tenure, and when it moves to other areas, the same principle should apply.”
Responding to the appeal, traditional rulers from Ikwuano and Umuahia South expressed support for the message and pledged to take it to their people.
HRH Eze Ben Oriaku acknowledged receipt of the message, noting that there has always been an understanding of how the House of Representatives seat is zoned among the three LGAs.
He stressed the importance of peace, urging restraint among political actors.
“The best way to make peace is to stop any advance of conflict. We will reach out to our sons in Ikwuano to remind them of the zoning formula and the need to avoid actions that could lead to friction. I will also take this message to the Chairman of Ndi Eze Oboro and Ikwuano. Our advice is simple – avoid war,” he said.
From Umuahia South LGA, HRH, Eze Paul C. Egwu, of Dike Ukwu Autonomous Community, described the appeal as timely and necessary for unity.
“It is a good thing. Recognising those who have gone before to complete their second tenure will promote peace and remove disputes and misunderstandings. We accept this message and will pass it to other traditional rulers in Umuahia South,” he stated.
Also lending his voice, the host monarch, His Royal Majesty, Eze Iheanyichukwu Abel Ezeigbo, emphasized the critical role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace.
He described the message from Ohuhu as significant and called for collective responsibility among all stakeholders.
The monarchs collectively warned against any actions capable of inciting violence, reiterating that their primary responsibility is to safeguard lives and property.
They concluded with a unified call for calm, mutual respect, and political maturity, insisting that honouring established agreements remains key to sustaining peace in the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.
