Discordant tunes trailed the fire outbreak that razed down the palace of Eze Owere, Eze Emmanuel Njemanze last Sunday.
The fire which started in the early hours of Sunday morning affected the entire building of the palace. Properties worth millions of naira were affected including the traditional stool of Owere Nchi Ise, vital documents, cultural and traditional items dear to the monarch
Reasons for the fire outbreak were sketchy at press time, but a palace source said the fire started from the top floor of the one storey building located few kilometres to Government House, Owerri.
According to the source, a gas leak might be responsible for the fire outbreak while there was another report that the fire might have emanated from an electric spark inside the building.
The Eze and his wife and other palace workers were said to have left the building unhurt when the inferno began.
Hundreds of sympathizers gathered at the entrance of the palace as they assisted men of Imo State Fire Service to put out the fire which lasted till about 12.30 pm. The palace was also heavily guarded by men of the Nigeria Police Force and the Army who were on red alert to avert looting of the palace.
Efforts to speak to Eze Njemanze were futile at press time. Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha consoled Eze Njemanze on the unfortunate incident.
Also commiserating with Eze Njemanze, the Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Sam Ohiri, urge Eze Njemanze to bear the loss, assuring him of the Councils’ support and persuasion to ensure that the State Governor fulfils the promise.
Ohiri who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Evarest Ezihe, described the incident as a sad one, urging him not to be despaired. He thanked God that no live was lost in the unfortunate incident, assuring him of the Council’s support in this trying period.
