The Traditional Ruler of Azumini Ndoki Ancient Kingdom in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, His Royal Majesty Eze Edward Eule (Onyenweali X), has refuted widespread claims that he abandoned his throne following his prolonged absence from the community.
In a statement personally signed by him, the monarch insisted that he remains the legitimate ruler of Azumini and that his sojourn in the United States is temporary and purposeful. The clarifications come amid social media speculation and rumours by certain groups alleging that the Eze had “vacated” the throne.
Eze Eule, a retired Professor of Sociology who spent more than three decades teaching at Norfolk State University in Virginia, USA, said he travelled abroad in May 2025 to attend to professional and personal obligations, not to abdicate or abandon his responsibilities as monarch.
“I travelled to the United States of America in May 2025 to attend to some professional and personal matters. I am robustly healthy and fine, and I may soon conclude the task of my sojourn here,” he said, addressing concerns about his health and long absence.
The monarch accused “mischief-makers operating under the guise of an Interim Ruling Council” of circulating falsehoods and propaganda suggesting he had relinquished his throne. He made it clear that there is no vacancy on the Azumini throne and that he continues to serve as the community’s traditional ruler.
“I will cease to be the Eze only when I join my ancestors and the ‘Ofo’ is passed on to my successor,” Eze Eule declared, underscoring the customary and spiritual permanence of his position.
To ensure continuity in local governance during his absence, the monarch stated that he had formally appointed a Traditional Prime Minister in line with Azumini customs.
“Given my temporary absence from Azumini, I explicitly designated High Chief Okoro Egege, the village head of Uhu De Ogwe, as Azumini’s Prime Minister. This designation is in line with our culture,” the statement added.
Eze Eule described High Chief Egege as a trusted and patriotic community leader who would administer the kingdom’s affairs in consultation with other village heads and remain directly accountable to him until his return. “The Prime Minister is answerable to the Eze regarding all delegated duties and assigned authority until my return,” he said.
The monarch also referenced a recent ruling by the Abia State High Court which quashed attempts to remove him from the traditional stool. He said the judgment “affirmed and legitimised” his position as the custodian of Azumini’s culture and resources. “Since the government’s appeal has not yet been heard, the judgment remains valid,” he emphasised.
He cautioned those seeking to unlawfully usurp the throne to desist from actions that could jeopardise peace in the community.
Eze Eule further disclosed that the Prime Minister’s first major assignment will be the organisation of the 2026 Ikoro Festival. He granted authority to mobilise funds through the sale of economic crops and the leasing of community farmlands to support festival expenses.
Separately, the community has been embroiled in a security incident involving the alleged theft of a 500KVA electricity transformer, which plunged the area into darkness. Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the offence, which included the alleged sabotage of a solar-powered borehole project.
Police sources say the principal suspect confessed that the transformer was sold for about ₦4.2 million, purportedly to fund the purchase of electricity poles, a claim yet to be substantiated with evidence.
The case has been transferred to the Swift Response Squad (SRS) as investigations continue, with police officials stating that the suspects will be arraigned upon conclusion of inquiries.
