Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Folks of Umuawa Alaocha Autonomous Community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Saturday, crowned a person with hearing and speech impairment as the traditional ruler.
The new monarch, HRH Eze Anthony Anyiam Ohaeri, succeeded his father the late Eze G. U Ohaeri who vacated the throne about five years ago when he joined his ancestors.
Dignitaries including royal fathers and Persons With Disabilities, PWDs from different places gathered in their numbers to catch a glimpse of the event.
Ikengaonline checks revealed that the coronation was the first time, a Person With Disability, PWD, would be crowned monarch in Abia State.
The new monarch is the eldest son of the royal family comprising of 15 males and daughters.
The 64-year-old father of four is a Computer Specialist, and had lived and worked in the United States of America before returning last December.
According to the community, the emergence of the PWD as the successor of his late father on the throne was a consensus decision of the people with the full endorsement of the royal family.
Addressing the crowd through an interpreter, the overjoyed Eze Ohaeri thanked the people for reposing confidence in him and crowning him their monarch.
He said he was overwhelmed, promising not to disappoint the people.
“I have always looked forward to this moment with anticipation and enthusiasm because it has set the stage for a transformative era in the community’s history and indeed the state and the nation at large.
“I am awed and humbled by the trust and confidence placed in me by my people, and I assure the good people of Umuawa Alaocha Autonomous Community that I would faithfully and diligently discharge my duties.”
“This is the first time in the history of this community, state and nation that a hearing impaired (deaf) person has been made a traditional ruler. Also, I would like to add that even in the bible, no hearing impaired person became king, this is a first of its kind.”
The monarch pledged to attract the attention of relevant Government agencies to develop the community.
“As traditional ruler, I will adopt an inclusive leadership style to give everyone a sense of belonging and foster the socioeconomic development of the community.”
“I am an enthusiast of building progressive communities and systems that would stimulate rural economy, this is because I believe when there is prosperity in the rural communities it positively impacts on the socioeconomic growth of the state and makes the job of the state government easier.
“As l take up the mantle of leadership entrusted upon me by the people of Umuawa Alaocha Autonomous Community I am conscious of the enormous responsibility that comes with it and I assure you that I will live up to expectation.
“Under my watch, I will ensure that Umuawa Alaocha Autonomous Community records growth and prosperity through evolving and implementing programmes that would protect the interest of my people, improve their well-being and give them a sense of belonging.”
“My goal is to create platforms that would encourage the members of the community to explore their potentials and take advantage of the things that programmes and policies of the state government have to offer its citizenry.”
Commending the Gov. Alex Otti-led administration for its people-oriented projects across the state, the new monarch, however, appealed to the Governor to help build infrastructure in his community.
This, according to him, will help boost economic activities in the area and improve the welfare of the people.
Speaking at the colourful event, Special Assistant to the Governor on PWDs, Hon. David Anyaele, commended Umuawa Alaocha community for not shortchanging the monarch because of his disability
The Governor’s Aide who said that “there is special ability in disability,” added that PWDs could accomplish so much if given the opportunity.
Anyaele expressed confidence in the ability of Eze Ohaeri to move his community through.
The SA who said Otti had the good of Abians including PWDs at heart, assured that everybody would be given opportunity to showcase his mettle.
Speaking also, the Abia State Chairman of PWDs, Mr Wisdom Okechukwu, described the event as historic, saying it was the first time a PWD would be crowned king in the state.
He thanked the community for not discriminating against the new monarch based on his disability.
The PWD helmsman said the development would inspire other PWDs to greater heights.
In an interview, the monarch’s eldest sister, Dr Roseline Anyiam Anuchie, expressed great delight that his brother had successfully been coronated.
She said her brother had the competence and capacity to deliver, adding that he acquired special skills in the US.
According to her, the monarch who worked and retired in the US, is prepared to face the challenges of the community.
Similarly, the Uncle of the new king, Elder Augustine Ohaeri, said the coronation had the endorsement of the entire royal family.
He described the nephew as a humane and focused figure who had made marks in life.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers in the Council, the Chairman of Umuahia North Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Innocent Nwaigwe, said Eze Ohaeri had all that was needed to move the community forward.
He assured him that royal fathers in the council would give him full support.
Eze Nwaigwe specially commended the community for endorsing the new monarch despite his challenge.
Various stakeholders in the community including former Director of Sports, Abia State, Mr Ejikeme Ikwunze popularly known as Mr Football, expressed joy over the coronation, describing it as historic.
He expressed faith that the new monarch would deliver.
On the physical impairment, Ikwunze said the efficiency of the new monarch would not be affected.
He cited former US President, Franklin Roosevelt, who was on a wheelchair but posted great results.
The event attracted the presence of the Traditional Ruler of Hausa Community in Abia State, HRH Alhaji Eze Yaro Danladi, who paid glowing tributes on the new monarch.
Danladi said he had known the late father of the new monarch who left legacies.
Eze Danladi solicited the support of the community for the success of the new monarch.
