The Umuiheuze 1 Clan Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State has suspended three traditional rulers for alleged breaches of chieftaincy, custom, and tradition. The suspended chiefs include Dr. Greg Chigemecha, paramount ruler of Obunku Ndoki community; Chief Monday Nwachukwu, paramount ruler of Umunwachukwu; and Chief Kingsley Douglas of Mgboji Community.
According to the council, the suspension was a result of an alleged breach of traditional oath binding members of the institution by Chief Chigemecha. The council alleged that Chigemecha acted contrary to the established customs and traditions of the Umuiheuze 1 Clan in his quest to install himself as the paramount ruler (Onye’nweala) of Obunku Ndoki Community.
The council, after examining the matter, imposed sanctions on the chiefs in line with its customary laws and as a deterrent to forestall further breaches. The sanctions included declaring the purported coronation of Chief Chigemecha as Paramount Ruler of Obunku Ndoki Community on September 4, 2026, as non-existent.
The council also cancelled and withdrew Chief Chigemecha's certificate or staff of office as compound chief of the Umunwankwo compound in Obunku Ndoki Community. Additionally, the chief was no longer permitted to participate in council meetings and was directed to desist from parading, addressing, or purporting to perform functions associated with a chief or the paramount ruler of Obunku Ndoki Community.
The traditional rulers warned that the council would work closely with relevant government, security, and traditional authorities to monitor compliance with the sanctions. They stated that the decision was necessary because the Umuiheuze 1 Clan Council of Traditional Rulers, as custodians of the culture, customs, and traditions of the people, would not stand by while the clan and Obunku Ndoki Community were subjected to actions capable of causing serious disruption to the traditional institution.
Responding on behalf of the suspended chiefs, Dr. Chigemecha said that he was duly coronated in accordance with the rules of the traditional institution of the clan. He expressed surprise over their alleged suspension, indicating that the matter may be more complex than initially presented.
The Umuiheuze 1 Clan Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs has appealed for wise counsel to prevail in the matter. The council's decision and the response from the suspended chiefs indicate that the situation is being closely monitored, and further developments are expected.
Key points
- The Umuiheuze 1 Clan Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs suspended three traditional rulers for alleged breaches of chieftaincy, custom, and tradition.
- The sanctions imposed on the chiefs include the cancellation of their certificates of office and prohibition from participating in council meetings.
- The council has appealed for wise counsel to prevail in the matter, indicating a desire for a peaceful resolution.
