From Mark Chukwu | Umuahia
Tension continues to rise in Ngodo Community, located in Ehume Omaegwu Autonomous Community of Umuahia South Local Government Area, Abia State, as the ongoing Ezeship tussle takes a new turn. The dispute, which pits Super High Chief Silas Ihemeremadu Ogbuehi against Chibuike Ahiwe, has drawn significant attention from community leaders and legal authorities.
Speaking to journalists at his palace, Barrister Ihemeremadu firmly stated that, both constitutionally and traditionally, Super High Chief Silas Ihemeremadu remains the most qualified candidate for the Ngodo traditional stool, emphasizing that he has no credible rival.
The Eze-elect, His Royal Highness Eze Silas Ihemeremadu Ueagbosokwu Ogbuehi, explained that he hails from Ngodo in Ehume Omaegwu, a community with deep historical roots in Umuopara. He welcomed media engagement, noting that hearing from all parties provides a clearer understanding of the situation.
Providing historical context, the Eze-elect outlined the lineage of Ehume, which comprises five branches: Chokologo, Ngodo, Umunna, Umuojie, and Umueleke. He further highlighted his longstanding contributions to community development, recalling his role as the first President General of Ehume from 1970 to 1980, a period marked by post-civil war reconstruction following the Nigerian Civil War.
During his tenure, he spearheaded several development projects, including infrastructure improvements and conflict resolution efforts within the community. He also played a key role in the push for the creation of the Ehume Omaegwu Autonomous Community, working alongside other stakeholders to secure its recognition.
The Eze-elect maintained that the selection of the traditional ruler follows a rotational system among the community’s lineages.
With the stool now zoned to Ngodo, he argued that the rightful candidate must emerge from the Omai lineage, where he is recognized as the most senior member.
Supporting this claim, High Chief Fugbara John Onwusaram stressed that Ngodo has historically upheld peace and unity, adding that elders had advised against contesting the stool with Chief Ihemeremadu due to his seniority and qualifications. He also noted internal disagreements within families, particularly regarding the candidacy of Chibuike Ahiwe.
Similarly, Chief Okey Nwosu expressed surprise that a younger individual would challenge the traditional process. He revealed that previous legal disputes over the stool had been resolved in favor of Chief Ihemeremadu, who chose reconciliation over further conflict despite winning court judgments.
From a legal standpoint, Barrister Ihemeremadu cited provisions of the Omaegwu constitution, which stipulate that succession to the traditional stool must follow seniority within the designated village. He explained that eligible candidates must possess deep knowledge of local customs, hold recognized chieftaincy titles within the community, and meet other integrity requirements.
Based on these criteria, he concluded that Super High Chief Silas Ihemeremadu Ogbuehi fully qualifies to ascend the throne as the next traditional ruler of the Omaegwu Ancient Kingdom.
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As the dispute unfolds, community stakeholders continue to call for calm, urging all parties to prioritize peace and unity in resolving the leadership question.