The Rumuekepe Clan in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State has selected and coronated a new Paramount Ruler to pilot her affairs after 15 years.
The historic event which was held at their ancestral ground on Sunday 23rd May, 2021 by the Rumuekpe Council of Traditional Rulers as represented by the eight (8) communities that make up the clan with the Community Development Committee Chairman led by the Nenwe-Eli Rumuekpe Clan, Elder Philip Enyindah who is the eldest in the clan.
In a press briefing at the king’s palace over the weekend, Mr. Mbadiwe Enyindah who represented his sick father, the Nenwe-Eli Rumuekpe Clan at the event said he was satisfied that all necessary traditional processes were followed in the selection of the new king.
Chief Nelson C. Igwe, a contestant for the throne said the process was transparent. He disclosed that the throne is not hereditary nor by election but by selection by the Eldest heads of the communities considering the candidate’s past records of services to the clan.
He confirmed that having failed to clinch the crown, he is not worried but has congratulated Eze Evekwuru and would gladly work with him to restore the clan to her lost glory.
“I am highly impressed at the outcome of the contest. I was interested in the post but had to accept the outcome for the good and progress of the clan”, he said.
He used the opportunity to plead with everybody to come together and support the new king for the peace, unity and progress of their clan.
Bro Elder Clement Azubudu, a former CDC Chairman said most of the villagers have been clamouring and praying for a new king for the clan but a negligible few have been constituting a clog in the wheel of the progress because of greed and selfish interest.
He used the chance to appeal to them to reconsider their position in the interest of the future generation yet unborn.
The Youth President of Mbakohia Youth Assembly, Comrade Frank Orda said in his contribution that there is no going back on the development as according to him, “Rumuekpe people have suffered enough, especially without a recognized king these past years.
“Despite the presence of three functional oil companies operating in our clan including the S.P.D.C, Total E & P and N.D.P.R, there is nothing to show for it due to the greed of some selected few stakeholders”, he said.
The Youth President warned that he would mobilize the youths of the clan against those he described as enemies of progress if they refused their warnings. He however advised them to embrace peace in the interest of Rumuekpe Clan.
Other stakeholders who spoke at the event included Mr. Hycient Josiah and Mr. Thompson Onwuchekwa, a former CDC Chairman of Rumuekpe Clan.
They also added their voices in appealing to everyone to have a change of heart and consider the chance given them to contribute their own quota in building the community for posterity sake.
They made it clear that Eze Evekwuru has all it takes to restore hope and peace in the whole of Rumuekpe Clan and pleaded for total support for him to succeed.
A onetime Vice President of the National Union of Rumuekpe Student (NURS), Comrade Amadi Promise said the newly coronated Eze Evekwuru is a man of peace who has actually worked for the clan over the years and so merited the crown.
He made it clear that the students are in support of his candidature.
He also appealed to those who could not get the stool to congratulate and support the new king instead of drawing the clan back into crisis again.
“Since 2005 Rumuekpe has suffered serious setbacks and negligence. I therefore plead that all hands should be on deck for us to cover lost grounds as fast as we can”, he said.
HRH Eze Evekwuru in his contribution appealed to everyone to sheath his/her swords and work with him to not only restore lasting peace in Rumuekpe Clan but to ensure that the stool is recognized and classified by the Rivers State Government within a very short time, adding that his mission is to unite the entire communities and attract the much needed development. “I will rule with the fear of God and carry everyone along in the scheme of things” he declared.
Asked about those who are still challenging his candidature, the Paramount Ruler said the development is only natural but that he would appeal to them to sheathe their swords and come back to the fold because the symbol of authorities including the staff and the “Owhor Eze” have been handed over to him by the chief priest having satisfied the stipulated conditions.
