Excited crowd of thousands of people at Awaka, Owerri North LGA last weekend mobbed the former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim when he visited the home of Chief Jerry Chukwueke, who was conferred with the title of Ohamadike of Owerri Federal Constituency last Saturday.
The former Governor who arrived the ceremony in company of Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the Chairman of South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Chief Agari-we, the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo found it difficult to step an each as the large crowd blocked his way, fighting to touch him.
Ohakim’s security aides had a tough time trying to control the crowd, but it was not possible as the teeming population hailed the former Governor for his magnanimity and circulation of cash while his administration lasted, unlike who obtains now in Imo state.
However, despite all efforts by the Imo State Government to foil the Chukwueke Chieftaincy ceremony, the occasion went well, with Eze Ilomuanya representing the Traditional Institution in the State, while President of Ohaneze Ndeigbo represented the Igbo Nation.
More than fifteen Traditional Rulers from Owerri Federal Constituency signed the Traditional Certificate given to Jerry Chukwueke, even though most of them stayed away from fear of being victimized by the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who had ordered the Royal Fathers to stay away from the ceremony.
Speaking at the occasion, Eze Ilomuanya described Chukwueke as an illustrious son of not only Owerri North LGA, but Imo State, who deserved the honour from his people, adding that no man can change the hand of destiny.
Also speaking, the Senator representing Orlu Senatorial Zone, Chief Hope Uzodinma said that Imo State is under an Emperor who has converted the state to a private estate and does not give ear to constructive criticisms.
Uzodinma however asked Imo people to continue to pray for sanity to be restored in the state, for the masses to once more feel the impact of democracy and its dividends.
In his speech, the former Governor, Dr Ikedi Ohakim eulogized the sterling qualities of Chukwueke, tracing their early relationship which started, when Chukwueke just arrived Nigeria from the United States of America, USA years ago.
Ohakim described Chukwueke as a very humble man who cannot hurt a fly, and wondered why any body should be afraid of the Awaka born politician cum business mogul.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Emeka Ihedioha also said Chukwueke is a gentle man and industrialist who deserved the honour bestowed on him by the Traditional Rulers from Owerri Federal Constituency.
In his closing remark, the host, Chief Jerry Chukwueke thanked the Traditional Rulers of Owerri Federal Constituency, the people of Imo State, and the entire personalities who honoured his invitation for the ceremony, and prayed God for his mercies and blessings, which propelled him to his present position in the society today, and promised to continue to serve man kind with what God has blessed him with.
