Traditional rulers from Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South Local Government Areas have intensified calls for peace and strict adherence to an existing zoning arrangement, urging stakeholders to allow Ohuhu complete its agreed two tenures in the House of Representatives.
The monarchs made the call during a cross-community meeting held at the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Eze Iheanyichukwu Abel Ezeigbo, Ochima I of Uhabiri Umuchime Na Amanso Autonomous Community, Ossah-Ibeku, on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Addressing the gathering, the traditional rulers warned that rising political activities and agitations by aspirants from other areas could trigger avoidable tension if not carefully managed.
Speaking on behalf of the Ohuhu Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, Idinoba of Ekeoba Kingdom, said the intervention was necessary to preserve peace and uphold a long-standing agreement guiding the rotation of the federal constituency seat.
According to him, the zoning formula—established decades ago—ensures that each bloc occupies the House of Representatives position for two tenures before it rotates.
“We are not here for politics or to promote any individual. Our message is clear—allow Ohuhu complete its two tenures as agreed. That is the only way to maintain peace, fairness, and mutual respect,” he said.
Also speaking, His Royal Eminence, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu of Umudiawa Kingdom, reiterated that the appeal was based on an agreement that has existed for over 30 years and must be respected.
“We are reminding our brothers of what we all agreed upon. This is about equity and justice. Let Ohuhu complete its tenure, and when it moves to other areas, the same principle should apply,” he stated.
Responding to the appeal, traditional rulers from Ikwuano and Umuahia South expressed support for the message and pledged to take it to their people.
His Royal Highness, Eze Ben Oriaku, Dike I of Umudike Ukwu Oboro in Ikwuano, acknowledged receipt of the message, noting that there has always been an understanding of how the House of Representatives seat is zoned among the three LGAs.
He stressed the importance of peace, urging restraint among political actors.
“The best way to make peace is to stop any advance of conflict. We will reach out to our sons in Ikwuano to remind them of the zoning formula and the need to avoid actions that could lead to friction. I will also take this message to the Chairman of Ndi Eze Oboro and Ikwuano. Our advice is simple—avoid war,” he said.
From Umuahia South, His Royal Highness, Eze Paul C. Egwu, Dike Ukwu Autonomous Community, described the appeal as timely and necessary for unity.
“It is a good thing. Recognising those who have gone before to complete their second tenure will promote peace and remove disputes and misunderstandings. We accept this message and will pass it to other traditional rulers in Umuahia South,” he stated.
Also lending his voice, the host monarch, His Royal Majesty, Eze Iheanyichukwu Abel Ezeigbo, Ochima I of Uhabiri Umuchime Na Amanso Autonomous Community, emphasized the critical role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace.
He described the message from Ohuhu as significant and called for collective responsibility among all stakeholders.
“They have come to plead with us to do everything possible to maintain peace and order. We from Ibeku are expected to support them to complete their tenure, and when it is our turn, they will also support us,” he said.
Eze Ezeigbo added that the matter would be escalated to the wider Ibeku Traditional Rulers Council for further deliberation, stressing that traditional institutions must always act as custodians of peace.
“If what they have told us about the agreement is true, then the right thing to do is to allow peace to reign and align with that agreement. Instead of allowing conflict, they have chosen dialogue, and that is commendable. All we want is peace so that we continue to live as one people,” he added.
The monarchs collectively warned against any actions capable of inciting violence, reiterating that their primary responsibility is to safeguard lives and property.
They concluded with a unified call for calm, mutual respect, and political maturity, insisting that honoring established agreements remains key to sustaining peace in the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.
The traditional rulers present during the press briefing include:
HRH Eze Eze Allen Okpokiri (Edeukwu II of Emede Ibeku);
HRH Eze C. Egwu (Onyeogara I of Dikeukwu Autonomous Community, Umuahia South);
HRM Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna (Oba the Great of Ekeoba Kingdom, Umuahia North);
HRH Eze Justice Uwaga (Efuma II of Agbala Ozu Autonomous Community, Oboro Ikwuano);
HRM Eze Osquared Onwukwe (Ata I of Afarata);
HRM Eze Iheanyichukwu Abel Ezeigbo (Ochima I of Uhabiri Umuchime Na Amanso Autonomous Community, Ossah-Ibeku);
HRH Eze Ben Oriaku (Traditional Ruler of Umudike Ukwu, Ikwuano LGA);
HRH Eze Chijioke Chikwekwem (UGA IV of Nkwoegwu Autonomous Community, Afugiri);
HRH Eze Rex Ohaeri (Ocha II of Mbaocha Autonomous Community, Ndume Ibeku);
HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu (Diawa of Umudiawa);
HRH Eze Charles Ngwuli (Egwu II of Umuegwu Autonomous Community);
HRM Eze Godstime Asomugha (Awa II of Umuawa Alaocha Autonomous Community, Umuahia North).
