Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Traditional Ruler of Azumini Ndoki Ancient Kingdom in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, HRM Eze Edward Eule, has denied reports that he abdicated his royal stool.
Prof. Eule explained that his “temporary absence from the community” does not in any way amount to abandoning his throne.
The monarch, a Professor of Sociology who retired from Norfolk State University, Virginia, USA—where he lectured for over 30 years before ascending the throne in 2015—said he is currently in the United States and would return to the community after his trip.
In a statement personally signed by him, the monarch declared that there is no vacancy on the Azumini throne.
“I will cease to be the Eze only when I join my ancestors and the Ofo is passed on to my successor,” he said.
The statement read in part: “I travelled to the United States of America in May 2025 to attend to some professional and personal matters. I am robustly healthy and fine, and I may soon conclude the task of my sojourn here.”
Prof. Eule accused individuals he described as “mischief-makers operating under the guise of an Interim Ruling Council” of spreading falsehoods and propaganda about his alleged abdication.
Dismissing claims of any leadership vacuum in the community, Eule said he duly appointed a Traditional Prime Minister, High Chief Okoro Egege, to oversee the affairs of the kingdom in line with Azumini customs and traditions.
“Given my temporary absence from Azumini, I explicitly designated High Chief Okoro Egege, the village head of Uhu De Ogwe, as Azumini’s Prime Minister. This designation is in line with our culture,” the statement read.
The monarch also referenced a ruling of the Abia State High Court that quashed his purported removal, insisting that the judgment affirmed and legitimised his position as the traditional ruler.
“By order of the High Court of Abia State, my position as the Eze and customary custodian of Azumini’s resources and culture was reinforced and legitimised. Since the government’s appeal has not yet been heard, the judgment remains valid,” he said.
He warned individuals seeking to illegally take over the traditional stool to desist from actions capable of disrupting peace in the community.
Describing High Chief Egege as a trusted and patriotic leader, Eze Eule said the Prime Minister would administer community affairs with the support of other village heads and would remain directly accountable to him.
“The Prime Minister is answerable to the Eze regarding all delegated duties and assigned authority until my return,” he added.
He further disclosed that the Prime Minister’s first major assignment would be the organisation of the 2026 Ikoro Festival, authorising him to mobilise funds from the sale of economic crops and the leasing of community farmlands to cover festival-related expenses.
Meanwhile, the police have commenced investigations into the alleged vandalism and theft of an electricity transformer in the community.
Suspects were accused of stealing a 500KVA transformer, which they allegedly sold as scrap for about ₦4.2 million, plunging the community into darkness. They were also alleged to have sabotaged a government solar borehole project by pouring sand and stones into it.
A community source urged the government to ensure that the alleged buyer of the transformer is apprehended to face the consequences of his actions alongside the culprits.
Confirming the incident, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer for Zone 9 Command, DSP Bruno Iheanetu, said four suspects had been arrested and had made confessional statements.
He said the principal suspect admitted to the theft, claiming the transformer was sold for ₦4.2 million and the proceeds used to purchase electricity poles for the village, but failed to provide evidence.
DSP Iheanetu added that after officers of the Cybercrime Unit visited the scene, the suspects petitioned the police in Abuja, prompting a counter-petition by the complainants.
He said the Assistant Inspector-General of Police subsequently ordered that the case be transferred to the Swift Response Squad (SRS) for further investigation.
The ZPPRO added that the suspects would be arraigned once investigations are concluded.
