It was a submission and argument filed proceeding for Hon Justice Theresa Echeta led five-man Commission at the Magistrate Court 8 in the High Court Owerri, were several Imo Communities are fighting/challenging either the election, the attitude/conduct of their Eze or the grant of Autonomous status.
The people of Avuvu autonomous Community came out in their hundreds before the commission to defend the position of their Eze-elect, Chief Engr Francis M. Anokwuru who was elected in an election conducted by Eze Muruako’s panel with 271 votes against the 1st runner up who had 65 votes, Eze Anokwuru was given certificate of returns, while waiting for the staff of office.
According to Barr Jude Nwosu who institutes a suit challenging the election, he submitted that the election was done against the order of a court, and the then Transition Committee Chairman of Ikeduru LGA and also averred that the panel can not go on with the matter because it is still pending in court, therefore subjudice.
Reacting, Barr Alex Nwachukwu the President General of Avuvu Town Union (ATU) maintained that the election of Eze Anokwuru was purely the wish of the Avuvu people and was done according to 2004 ATU constitution and through due process, which stipulates a rotatory system for the Ezeship stool.
Commenting, the Eze-elect, Eze Engr. F.M. Anokwuru, disclosed that it was the people of Avuvu that pleading with him to joining the Ezeship race as they have confidence in his leadership qualities which made him the seventh and last person to join the race, and their confidence showed on the election as he swoop the option A4 pole with 271 votes.
He reminded our reporter that the election came two years after the burial of the late Eze Leonard Onyeanu who was on throne for over 32 years, as mandated by Ikeduru Council of Traditional Rulers.
On his own, one crown Prince Chuks Oparaocha of Umude Avuvu, told our reporter that he came to the panel to inform them that Ezeship stool in Avuvu depends on hereditary making him the rightful Eze.
However, due to the disagreement on the opposition over the 2004 constitution used for the election, the panel told them that, there case is very narrow but for their disagreement, panel can not settle it but will write their recommendation.
Other Community whose case was heard was Oguta Autonomous Community who is challenging any granting of autonomy to any village or villages in the old Oguta or recognizing any body as Eze.
After listening to them, the panel said they will make recommendation after going through all their submissions.
