A shocking story is unfolding in Enugu State, Nigeria, where an 86-year-old blind traditional ruler, Igwe Ekwueme Odenigbo, has been thrown in jail alongside his son! His family is pleading with Governor Peter Mbah to step in and free their father, a man they say is incapable of the crimes he’s accused of. This is a tale of power, alleged betrayal, and a family’s fight for justice.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s happening:
- Blind King Imprisoned: 86-year-old Igwe Ekwueme Odenigbo and his son are in jail.
- Accusations: They are charged with arson, inciting violence, and assaulting police.
- Family Denies Charges: The family insists the king is innocent due to his age and blindness.
- Mining Dispute: A mining company is at the center of the controversy.
- Family Seeks Help: They are begging Governor Mbah and other leaders for intervention.
The Arrest
Igwe Ekwueme Odenigbo, the traditional ruler of Akpakwume community, and his 33-year-old son, Izuchukwu, were recently remanded in custody by an Enugu Magistrate Court. The charges? Arson, promoting local conflict, and attacking police officers. This has sent shockwaves through the community and left the family devastated. The family insists that the monarch’s old age and blindness make these accusations completely unbelievable.
Family Speaks Out
Pastor Solomon Ekwueme and Ozioma Roseline Ekwueme, children of the detained monarch, have cried foul, claiming their father is being unjustly persecuted. They suggest that enemies are taking advantage of his blindness to tarnish his reputation and potentially remove him from his royal position. They say he’s a retired elder in the Redeemed Christian Church of God and a respected community leader, not a criminal.
They recounted a harrowing event where armed men allegedly stormed the palace, manhandled their father, and stole royal artifacts and cash. The family also claims that the governor and the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, have been involved in an attempt to dethrone the monarch. This claim has not been confirmed, adding to the mystery surrounding the situation.
The Mining Controversy
According to Commissioner Ogbodo, the monarch was suspended for allegedly undermining the state’s economic interests. He claimed that Igwe Odenigbo authorized Eta-Zuma Mining Company to mine in the community without the state government’s consent, leading to unrest. However, the family has refuted these allegations, stating that the monarch has always acted transparently and in the best interest of his people.
The family insists that although the Igwe received a proposal from the mining company, he never authorized any illegal mining activities and has written letters to the government denying consent. These letters, they say, are public evidence of the king’s commitment to the state’s protocols, further casting doubt on the government’s position. The family also claims that the allegations are simply a smokescreen to dethrone the monarch unjustly.
A Plea for Help
The children of the king are now appealing to Governor Peter Mbah, Senator Osita Ngwu, and other well-meaning Nigerians to help them get their father and brother released from prison. They insist that the 86-year-old blind monarch is unable to commit any of the crimes he is accused of and is a victim of malicious allegations from the local government.
The family is desperate and wants the situation resolved quickly, so their father and brother can return home. The case is now a matter of public interest, raising questions about the state’s handling of traditional leaders and mineral rights within their communities. The family is pleading for compassion and justice.
What’s Next?
The situation remains tense, with the king and his son behind bars and a family in distress. As the community watches closely, many are asking if justice will prevail or if a respected traditional ruler will be unfairly punished. This unfolding saga has exposed the complex interplay of power, tradition, and resources in Nigeria and raises the stakes for those involved.
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