Umuahia – The Traditional Ruler of Azumini Ndoki Ancient Kingdom in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, HRM Eze Edward Eule (Onyenweali X), has dismissed claims that he abandoned or abdicated his throne following his temporary absence from the community.
The clarification comes amid rising tension in the community after the theft of its electricity transformer, an incident that plunged Azumini into darkness and led to the arrest of six suspects by the police.
Eze Eule, a Professor of Sociology who retired from Norfolk State University, Virginia, USA, after over 30 years of service before ascending the throne in 2015, said he remains the legitimate monarch of Azumini and has not neglected his royal responsibilities.
Speaking from the United States, where he is currently attending to personal and professional matters, the monarch said his trip was temporary and that he would soon return to Nigeria.
“I travelled to the United States in May 2025 to attend to some professional and personal matters. I am healthy and fine, and I may soon conclude my sojourn here,” he said.
The monarch accused individuals he described as “mischief-makers operating under the guise of an Interim Ruling Council” of spreading falsehoods and propaganda about his alleged removal.
In a statement personally signed by him, Eze Eule stressed that there is no vacancy on the Azumini traditional stool, declaring that his reign remains lawful and intact.
“I will cease to be the Eze only when I join my ancestors and the Ofo is passed to my successor,” he stated.
He further clarified that his temporary absence has not created any leadership vacuum, noting that he had duly appointed High Chief Okoro Egege, the village head of Uhu De Ogwe, as Traditional Prime Minister to oversee the affairs of the community in line with Azumini customs.
“Given my temporary absence, I explicitly designated High Chief Okoro Egege as Azumini’s Prime Minister. This designation is consistent with our culture and traditions,” the statement read.
Eze Eule also referenced a ruling of the Abia State High Court, which quashed his purported removal and reaffirmed his position as the traditional ruler of Azumini.
“By order of the High Court of Abia State, my position as Eze and customary custodian of Azumini’s resources and culture was reinforced and legitimised. Until the government’s appeal is heard, that judgment remains valid,” he said.
The monarch warned individuals attempting to illegally take over the traditional stool to desist from actions capable of disrupting peace in the community.
He added that High Chief Egege, whom he described as a trusted and patriotic leader, would administer the affairs of the kingdom with the support of village heads and remain directly accountable to him.
The Prime Minister’s first major assignment, according to Eze Eule, will be the organisation of the 2026 Ikoro Festival, with authorisation to mobilise funds from economic crops and leased community farmlands.
Meanwhile, the police have intensified investigations into the alleged theft of a 500KVA electricity transformer in the community.
The suspects are accused of stealing the transformer and selling it as scrap for about ₦4.2 million, an act that reportedly plunged Azumini into total darkness. They were also alleged to have vandalised a government solar borehole by pouring sand and stones into it.
Confirming the development, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 9 Command, DSP Bruno Iheanetu, said four suspects had been arrested and had made confessional statements.
According to him, the principal suspect admitted to selling the transformer for ₦4.2 million, claiming the proceeds were used to purchase electricity poles for the village, though no evidence was provided.
DSP Iheanetu added that following petitions and counter-petitions, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police ordered the transfer of the case to the Swift Response Squad (SRS) for further investigation.
He assured that the suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
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