Africa-Press – Nigeria. Chief Samuel Opuh has been elected the new traditional ruler of Oshiri autonomous community in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Following the death of J.U.O. Nwogo, the traditional ruler of the community, four years ago, there had been several attempts to elect a new ruler without success.
In an election keenly contested in the community by eight persons, Opuh polled a total of 10 votes to emerge victorious, while his closest rival, Njoku Harrison, scored nine votes. Obasi Nweze got seven votes, while Ifeanyi Nwagu scored six votes. Pius Okoro got a vote, while three other aspirants didn’t get any votes.
Addressing the people of his community after his coronation as Ezeogo Opuh Akpataeze I of Oshiri at the community’s ancestral home, Opuh promised to restore peace, unite his community, restore moral values, and bring development and linkages.
“What is happening today in our society is very bad. Our youths are driven by obligations to evil and vices and this is what I plan to pay serious attention to. Peace and even development are also my priorities.
“As a traditional ruler, if you don’t link up with your neighbouring communities, you don’t link up with the state, and you don’t link up at the national level, there is nothing you can do for your community,” he stated.
He called on his rivals to join hands with him to develop the community, adding that he had served the community in many capacities, which made him easily electable as the traditional ruler.
Some stakeholders in the community, including Chief Odefa Obasi and Hon. Agu Opuh, the coordinator of the Oshiri Development Centre, hailed the emergence of the traditional ruler. According to them, the installation of a new king in Oshiri will bring unity, as the winner is known for his active service to humanity in the community.
The election was monitored by representatives of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and Onicha Local Government Area.
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