Head Chief Of Elikpokwuodu Community, Lazarus Wobo Dismisses Suspension Rumour

…Says He’s Still In Charge

Amid the allegation of having been suspended from Office, Chief Lazarus I. Wobo says he is still the head chief of Elikpokwuodu Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Chief Wobo made the explanation while fielding questions from newsmen in Port Harcourt Tuesday, May 26, 2020.

According to the traditional ruler, the chiefs under his authority lack the powers to place him on suspension whatsoever nor to sack him from office.

Chief Lazarus Wobo, a justice of peace (JP) said he is only answerable to the paramount ruler of Rukpokwu, HRM, Eze Dr. Collins Chukwuma Ogwu, JP, who is invested with the powers to reprimand him if need be. And since there is no such order from the paramount ruler, Chief Wobo stated, he remains the head chief of Elikpokwuodu community.

Chief Wobo deposited the baseless rumour of his suspension on the doorstep of one  Chief Owhonda Mgbakiri and his co-travellers whom he said have no such powers to checkmate him.

The head chief of Elikpokwuodu community, Chief Lazarus Wobo said by tradition, it is only the paramount ruler of Rukpokwu that can remove him from office, if need be, and not the family chiefs under him.

According to him, since 1971 he was installed head chief of his community, there has been relative peace. This, he said was due to his peaceful disposition and love for his people.

Chief Wobo however disclosed that since he appointed prince Sunny Opara as the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of Elikpokwuodu community, there have been all manner of complaints. He further alleged financial recklessness against Prince Opara which according to him, led to his sack and replaced with his relation.

He also alleged that Prince Sunny Opara in collaboration with four other chiefs in the community sold some plots of land belonging to the community without his consent.

“Sunny Opara actually came into office about one year ago. I appointed him and his tenure was supposed to be three years. I had to sack him with reasons and I have the right to fire him because I hired him too,” Chief Wobo declared.

He also disclosed that the CDC Exco members had earlier written to him, requesting for the suspension of the former CDC chairman, Sunny Opara following allegations of misconduct, unlawful sale of community land etc which were  being investigated.

Also speaking, Chief Akadum Weli, a former CDC Chairman of Elikpokwu-odu and now secretary – General of Rukpokwu Council of Chiefs condemned the activities of the sacked CDC Chairman, Sunny Opara, and supported the line of action by Chief Wobo as the head chief of the community.

According to Chief Weli, the action taken by the general house against Sunny Opara has already been communicated to the paramount ruler of Rukpokwu. He urged the general public to disregard any claim by the sacked CDC Chairman to the contrary.

On his part, the newly appointed CDC Chairman, Ebere Opara called on his deposed brother to abide by the rules and peacefully step aside for the overall interest of the community.

He said he accepted the offer in order to right the mistakes of his brother and safeguard the family name from dent.

In his reaction, Hon Prince Sunny Opara said he did not commit any of the allegations to warrant this suspension or sack, describing the development as a calculated arrangement to cause confusion in their family. He maintained he still remains the authentic CDC chairman.

Sunny Opara claimed his reign as CDC Chairman had brought a lot of projects and development to Elikpokwuodu community.