The certificate of recognition of Eze Anthony Owaibe as the Paramount Ruler of Rumuepirikom community in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State has been withdrawn by the State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
The sack has reportedly caused panic in Rumuepirikom, the home country of Wike, as elders and youths biker over the decision.
Wike in a letter by the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Sir Samuel Ibemeru, dated September 16, said that the withdrawal of Eze Owabie as Nye-Nwe Eli Rumuepirikom was with immediate effect.
The letter noted that the action of the governor was in exercise of powers vested on him as the governor of the state.
Reacting to the letter, the spokesman for the embattled Eze, Mr. John Ihua, described the action of the State Government as unfortunate and a move to damage the process of selection of a king in Rumuepirikom.
The letter read: “His Excellency, Mr Wike, Governor of Rivers State of Nigeria has in the exercise of the powers vested on him by section 17 of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Law No. 4 of 2015, withdrawn recognition from you (Anthony Owabie) as Nye-New Eli Rumuepirikom with immediate effect.
“Consequently, your letter of recognition from the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs is hereby withdrawn and cancelled.”
Ihua said that the letter was illegal and cannot stand, adding Eze Owabie remains the paramount ruler of Rumuepirikom community.
He also threatened, that his principal (Owabie) would approach the law court to seek the reverse of the governor’s order.
WIKE SACKS ROYAL FATHER
