The number of Traditional rulers from Mbaise land who thronged the Itu Ezinihite, Mbaise event centre for this year’s Iriji festival has been attributed to threats and coercion from Government House, Owerri quarters.
Controversy had trailed the announcement heralding the Chieftaincy title to the Chief of Staff to the governor, Chief Uche Nwosu. While a group of Traditional rulers known as the Integrity Group emerged and kicked against the award, others led by the leadership of Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers insisted.
Trumpeta was informed that the decision of Ndi Eze Mbaise, especially who backed out earlier to rejoin in the exercise may not be unconnected to threats.
It was gathered that apparently disturbed by pressure from Ezurezu Mbaise who has been kicking against handing Chieftaincy to any politician during Iriji Mbaise, majority of Mbaise monarchs refused to be part of it until the powers that be in Govt House stepped in.
This newspaper gathered on good authority that there was a meeting in Govt House, Owerri where the monarchs reported to be opposed to the Chieftaincy were summoned.
At the meeting, a riot act was said to have been read to them and anyone who failed to be part of it threatened with withdrawal of his staff of office.
Majorly on the list of those who were issued with marching orders were monarchs on the side of integrity Group.
Trumpeta was further informed that after the meeting, the opposing Eze’s succumbed for fear of being derobed by the State government. It was those who succumbed that appeared where Nwosu was honoured at the Eze’s palace.
