By Mick Oseji, Asaba
Indigenes and residents of Idumuje-Unor community in Aniocha North North Local Government Area of Delta state have slammed the Odogwu of Ibusa, Tony Nwankwo Nwaezeigwe, over what they claimed to be defamatory and malicious remarks made by Nwaezeigwe against their revered monarch, His Royal Majesty Obi Charles Chukwumwike Anyasi III.
The Daily Crucible reports that the Odogwu of Ibusa had in an opinion piece titled, “When A King Lied About His Esan Origin From The Throne — History 101 Lecture for Obi Anyasi of Idumuje Unor on his “Ned Nwoko is Right on Anioma Igbo Identity,” allegedly used unroyal words and expressions against the monarch in communicating his disagreement over the controversial classifying of the whole of Anioma as Igbo.
But rising from a meeting of the Idumuje Unor Obi-In-Council, the people declared that their revered monarch only exercised his legitimate constitutional rights to free speech on Anioma state state creation, stressing that Nwaezeigwe was reckless and disrespectful in disagreeing with the Obi’s position on the subject.
A statement signed on behalf of the Obi-in- council by the Odogwu of Idumuje Unor, Chief Ike R. Chukwudi, described Nwaezeigwe’s remarks as “abominable,” “highly defamatory,” “obnoxious and unguarded statements” as well as a “tragic taboo and heinous sacrilege.”
The statement tilted “NWAEZEIGWE’S SACRILEGIOUS STATEMENT AGAINST IDUMUJE MONARCH AND KINGDOM:- WE STAND BY OUR NOBLE KING” states:“the traditional ruler of Idumuje Unor and Head of Idumuje Clan – His Royal Majesty, Obi Charles Chukwuwike Anyasi III JP commands the allegiance of the people as a royal father with integrity.”
Continuing, it reads :”We vehemently condemn Nwaezeigwe’s obnoxious and unguarded statements as a tragic taboo. A heinous sacrilege not just against the royal father but the entire Idumuje Clan comprising Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko and Aniofu.
“While arcane customs and sacredness of the Obi’s throne totally forbids a rehash of Nwaezeigwe’s foolhardy profanities against our revered king, we strongly rebuke his unspeakable diatribe as vicious misinformation laced with unimaginable mischief.
“It would be recalled that His Royal Majesty, the Obi of Idumuje-Unor, made a special appearance recently on TVC broadcast channel where he granted an interview, on a news programme, “Behind the Headlines”. The Obi had in that broadcast spoken on a wide range of contemporary issues, including the renewed quest for the creation of Anioma State, currently championed by Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko; representing Delta North Senatorial District.
“Our noble Obi never inferred; all through the enchanting interview, that all Anioma people ( Idumuje clan inclusive ) hailed from one place. A large number of people migrated from Benin.You have the Olukumi. They came from Owo in the West.They are also those who came from Igala; like the Ebu people. Some came from the East.What the Obi said was that everybody has a right to claim specific ancestry, but Aniomas are ‘statutorily Igbos’ by classification.
“It also is alarming that Nwaezigwe could not decipher between monarchical chronology and dynasty, hence he mistook the Anyasi dynasty for Idumuje-Unor’s monarchical chronology.
“Let the public please note that the incumbent hardworking monarch is the third in the Anyasi dynasty and 11th in chronological order from Okwunye. Nwaezeigwe’s attempt at knocking the heads of Imeogbe Ihunmor against Okwunye, and then Atuma against Imeogbe Ihunmor is mischievous and satanic as there is no such conflict.
“The Obi remarkably proved his mettle on the TV broadcast, not just with aristocratic élan, but the effervescent charisma of a cerebral, enigmatic royalty. The Obi addressed all the issues with majestic authority, intellectual ardour, illuminating candour and quintessential gait.
“But for strange reasons, that defy all logic and sane conjecture, Nwaezeigwe gave the most stupefying and ignorant interpretation of the interview.
“We note with utter dismay that he had in recent times defamed some other monarchs in Delta North in his reckless voyage of idle activism in the guise of social commentary. A misguided obsession that is nothing short of dangerous and suicidal.
“A cursory look at his devious and recycled articles betrayed gross irresponsibility and appalling aberration unbecoming of an old man who claims to be a chief – Odogwu of Ibusa.
“Although Nwaezigwe tried to paint a picture of an imaginary war between Idumuje and Odiani clans, it is on record that the two clans have peacefully coexisted for ages. Besides, if we may correct his intentional distortion of hierarchical order, Idumuje-Unor is recorded as the head of the nine communities that make up the recently approved Aniocha-North State Constituency II (Idumuje and Odiani).
“The Obi of Idumuje Unor is far bigger than what Nwaezeigwe would ever imagine or see even with binoculars. Obi Anyasi III is not a tainted “former journalist” or mere traditional ruler in the warped and disrespectful definition of Nwaezeigwe.
“The royal father stands in colossal gait as one of Nigeria’s most iconic media maestros, legendary newspaper columnist, connoisseur of philanthropy and humanitarian accomplishments, now an exemplary enigmatic king.Our Obi is the custodian of our heritage, who edifies the totality of Idumuje people. We stand by our king.”
