Okorocha vs Imo Monarchs

Rochas Okorocha

The legal battle between some traditional rulers in Imo State and Governor Rochas Okorocha, has assumed another dimension as about seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, have indicated interest to offer free legal services to the monarchs, when the hearing of the suit begins on Tuesday, June, 23, 2015, at Owerri High Court 4. About 40 royal fathers last week, dragged Okorocha to court over the latter’s attempt to unlawfully invoke punitive actions against the monarchs for associating with the court reinstated Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze (Dr.) Cletus Ilomuanya.

A credible source yesterday, told Vanguard that "the identities of the Senior Advocates of Nigeria will be unveiled in the court on Tuesday, to avoid unnecessary distractions". It was also gathered that the traditional rulers themselves have vowed to storm the court same day with many of their subjects, pointing out that they are determined to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion.

Some of the elderly monarchs involved in the imbroglio have threatened to place curses on their traducers, if they do not withdraw their aggressive posture against them, stressing that "Whoever detests or disrespects old age will not live to see grey hairs on his head". Meanwhile, many Igbo personalities have not only condemned the action of the Governor but have also expressed worry that there is no end to the drama of power in our country. "Those who should thread on the path of justice and democracy are only inspired by vengeance and revenge in their actions. These punitive actions against the revered Igbo traditional institution have continued to outrage Ndigbo and many Nigerians", a senior civil servant that pleaded anonymity said. The man urged the Governor to have a re-think, stressing that one of tenets of democracy is freedom of association which the 1999 Constitution guarantees.

He stressed that the royal fathers are the custodians of the people’s culture and tradition, averring that the position they occupy is traditionally sacred and should be respected. "Our royal fathers should be accorded due respect because whoever disrespects or humiliates them does so to their community. Bullying them and thereby eroding their authority translates to fanning embers of disunity and encouraging a breakdown of law and order at the grassroots", the man fumed.
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BY CHDI NKWOPARA & CHINONSO ALOZIE, OWERRI.