Enugu State Government has issued Certificate of recognition to the newly elected traditional ruler of Amofia Affa autonomous community, Wilfred Ilouno,
after 19 years of leadership tussle in the community.
Presenting the Certificate and Staff of Office to the elected Royal father on Thursday at the ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy, the Commissioner, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, congratulated Ilouno for emerging victorious in the traditional rulers’ election held on July 29, by the community.
Pix-: Igwe -elect ,Ilouno,( m,)
He congratulated the community for the peaceful manner they elected their king after many years of leadership crisis in the community.
He said,”Governor Peter Mbah directed us to invite you to give honour to whom honour is due This is to formalise the election which the community recently conducted to choose their traditional ruler”, Ogbodo said.
The Commissioner said the election was reported to Governor Mbah who gave approval that Ilouno should be recognised as the traditional ruler of Amofia Affa Autonomous Community.
“So, having considered the election by your community and subsequent presentation to Local Government of Udi in accordance with the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Law Cap 151, Governor Mbah has graciously approved your recognition as the traditional ruler of Amofia -Affa.
“Let me further express the confidence and trust of the people of Enugu State that your community will enjoy peace and harmony under your reign,” Ogbodo said.
He added that in due course, the new royal father would be coming to receive duly signed certificate of recognition from the ministry.
Fielding question from newsmen, the Commissione said, “Leadership tussle is a common thing when it comes to power as many people want to be in the seat of power.
“We have been addressing it that is why we are recognising Igwes and we also insisted that every community should have a constitution that spells out how they chose their leaders and other issues.
“All the ministry does is to ensure that we look at the provisions of the community’s constitution to resolve conflicts,” he said.
Ogbodo however, advised communities with leadership issues to adhere to the constitution of their communities.
Responding, Illouno promised to use the mantle of leadership given to him to serve the people of the community and attract development.
He assured that he would use the staff of office presented to him to fight against the enemies and protect members of the community.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah, the Commissioner , Ogbodo and the management and staff of the ministry for the opportunity given him to serve his people.
On his part, Chairman ,Coronation Committee , Chris Okeke, expressed happiness on the State Government’s recognition of their Igwe -elect, saying, I am happy that this happened in our time because it has been 19 years we had been in leadership tussle,” he said.
He added that the coronation would be held on Dec. 28.
Author-Maureen Ikpeama
