By Ohanele Casca
There is pandemonium in one of the autonomous communities in Mbaise clan of Imo State as one of the aspirants for the Ezeship throne of Okirika Nwenke in Ahiazu LGA Theophilus Onyegbule Ikenga Akpim has suddenly met his untimely death.
Chief Onyegbule who has been having running battle with another aspirant Chief Hilary Okonkwo, owner of Hilman Castle Hotel Oru, for the traditional stool of Okirika Nweke last weekend collapsed and died near his T & T petrol station, Afor Oru after one month detention.
The Ezeship throne of Okirika Nweke autonomous communities comprising Umuevu and Akpim towns had polarized and torn inhabitants of the area into camps since the demise of their last traditional ruler.
A fresh crisis erupted on Saturday when news filtered in that a hale and hearty Chief Onyegbule has died. The news of the death induced some youths believed to be from Ikenga Akpim’s Community to embark on rampage and vandalize the property of one Chief Paul Ogbonna a former LGA boss in Ahiazu Local Government Area of the State.
The houses and vehicles of Chief Ogbonna was touched by the aggrieved youths for allegedly supporting late Chief Onyegbule’s opponent, Chief Hilary Okonkwo former Eze Igbo Katsina in the battle for who gets the Okirika Nweke Ezeship title.
A source told Imo Trumpeta that the deceased Onyegbule was recently released from custody after a month over alleged contempt charges concerning the traditional ruler position.
Meanwhile, the reign of anarchy in Okirika Nweke since Saturday, has forced security agencies to be drafted in the area for peace and tranquility to reign.
Though it could not be confirmed if arrests have been made concerning the wanton destruction of property.
