Anambra Monarchs Urge Community to Eschew Rancour in Choosing New King

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Traditional rulers in Anambra South Senatorial Zone of the state have urged Oraeri community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State to eschew violence and rancour in choosing a new king for the community.
The traditional rulers gave the charge during the Azu Ọnwa Asato Festival held to send home the demised king of the community, Ezenri Emmanuel Nriagu, Ezenri XXI.

The monarchs who were led by the traditional ruler of Akpo community in Aguata Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Jonathan Okpalaezecha, urged the community to ensure a smooth process in selecting another king for the community.
He said: “We are here to perform the ritual for the exiting of our member. We came to pay him last respect because he was our very good friend and was very well respected. We did everything together.

“We are calling out to you people to ensure that the process of choosing his successor will not be a problem in the community. We know that Oraeri is rooted in culture, and the process of emerging as Ezenri in Oraeri is not political, so the right thing must be done, to avoid plunging the community into crisis.”

Several communities in Anambra State are embroiled in leadership crisis with most of them in court over the selection process.
But the President General of the community and the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the Azu Ọnwa Festival, Mr. Alex Agudosi and Okey Atueyi respectively told THISDAY that the process of choosing a new king is deeply rooted in culture, assuring that it will be peaceful.
They assured that the community would in due course elect a new monarch who will carry on with the community’s affairs after the demise of Nriagu.