Imo State Governor’s Viral Statement on Dethroning Absentee Traditional Rulers: The Case of HRM Eze Okechukwu Adiukwu
https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/uzodimma-presents-staff-of-office-to-66-traditional-rulers-warns-we-will-change-you-2025032305280464896

In a recent viral video, the Governor of Imo State made a strong declaration that any traditional ruler (Eze) who abandons his community to reside abroad would face dethronement. This statement has sparked widespread reactions, particularly in Egberemiri, where HRM Eze Okechukwu Adiukwu has been accused of neglecting his duties, spending 95% of his time in the United States and only 5% among his people.

A Reign Marked by Neglect and Controversy
For years, HRM Eze Adiukwu’s leadership has been called into question due to his prolonged absence and failure to address critical issues affecting Egberemiri. Key concerns include:

- Security Failures: Entrusting community safety to stuges with questionable integrity.
- Environmental Neglect: Ignoring severe erosion destroying homes and farmlands.
- Border Exploitation: Allowing unchecked foreign exploitation of mineral resources.
- Infrastructure Decay: Roads remain in terrible condition with no intervention.
- Crisis Mismanagement: No action taken during flooding, Fulani herdsmen threats, or COVID-19.
Despite these pressing challenges, Eze Adiukwu has never organized a single fundraiser for community development, prioritizing personal interests over his people’s welfare.

Questionable Legitimacy and Traditional Violations
Eze Adiukwu’s legitimacy as a monarch has long been disputed due to several irregularities:
- Improper Installation: He was never presented with the sacred Ofo in the marketplace, a key traditional requirement.
- Scandalous Staff of Office Ceremony: He accepted the government staff of office without the Ofo and was accompanied by his brother’s wife, posing as his own a breach of tradition.
- Unlawful Appointments: Installing an outsider as traditional primeminister, an act considered an abomination in Igbo tradition.

The Persecution of Eze Obilam: A Disturbing Pattern
Eze Adiukwu’s hostility towards Eze Obilam, the rightful heir to the throne from the Oriaku family, reveals a deeper fear of exposure. Shocking allegations include:

- Abduction & Imprisonment: Eze Obilam was reportedly held against his will in Eze Adiukwu’s Houston residence.
- Assassination Attempt: An unresolved attack on Eze Obilam’s life, with no condolences from Eze Adiukwu the only Nigerian community leader who refused to acknowledge it.
- Deportation Conspiracy: Evidence suggests Eze Adiukwu played a role in Eze Obilam’s deportation from the U.S.
- Employment Sabotage: Blocking Eze Obilam’s opportunities in the Imo State government.
- Smear Campaigns: Sponsoring false narratives and attempting to disrupt international events organized by Egwu na Orie.

Additionally, Eze Adiukwu has allegedly:
✔ Served time in a Louisiana prison for theft.
✔ Engaged in insurance fraud in the U.S.
✔ Threatened community members supporting Eze Obilam.

Governor’s Warning: A Justification for Recall
The governor’s stance against absentee traditional rulers aligns perfectly with the grievances against Eze Adiukwu. His prolonged absence, neglect of duty, and involvement in questionable activities make him unfit to lead.

Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Restoration
The people of Egberemiri deserve a leader who prioritizes their welfare—not one who abandons them. Eze Obilam, the rightful heir, should be recognized and installed to restore dignity, security, and progress in the community.

The time for truth and justice is now.
Imo State must act swiftly to dethrone Eze Adiukwu and uphold the integrity of traditional leadership.
#RecallEzeAdiukwu #JusticeForEgberemiri #InstoreEzeObilam
(Written by Egberemiri online)

Note: This article is based on verified concerns from community members and documented allegations. Further investigations are encouraged for full transparency.