Azumini Committee Replies Eze Eule, Insists Dethronement Subsists Pending Appeal

The Azumini Interim Administrative Committee (AIAC) has formally responded to a recent public announcement by Prof. Edward Ebere Eule, insisting that he remains lawfully dethroned and lacks the legal authority to parade himself as the traditional ruler of Azumini Autonomous Community in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.

In a statement issued to the community and copied to relevant government and security authorities, the Committee maintained that Prof. Eule’s Staff of Office and Certificate of Recognition were validly withdrawn by the Abia State Government on March 24, 2024, and have not been restored.

The Committee said the withdrawal followed a government investigation into allegations of malfeasance levelled against the former monarch by some members of the community. According to the statement, the allegations included misappropriation of public land, illegal sale of communal infrastructure and diversion of public funds.

It recalled that a panel of inquiry was set up by the state government to investigate the claims and that Prof. Eule allegedly failed to honour invitations to appear before the panel. The Committee stated that after the panel’s findings, he was suspended for 30 days on February 21, 2024, and was directed to take steps to restore public confidence. It added that his removal was subsequently confirmed on March 24, 2024, with the withdrawal of his Staff of Office and Certificate of Recognition.

The AIAC emphasised that under the Abia State Traditional and Autonomous Communities (Amendment No. 2) Law, 2018, legal authority to function as a traditional ruler flows from the issuance of a Staff of Office by the Governor. It argued that although traditional symbols such as the Ọfọ hold cultural significance, legal recognition is conferred solely by the state government.

“Until a Staff of Office is reissued, no individual can validly exercise the powers of the traditional stool,” the Committee stated, adding that Azumini currently has no legally recognised Eze.

On the pending legal dispute, the Committee disclosed that the Abia State Government has filed a Notice of Appeal and a Motion for Stay of Execution against a High Court judgment related to the matter. It further stated that the appeal, referenced as CA/OW/354/25, has been entered at the Court of Appeal, Owerri Judicial Division.

According to the Committee, the filing of the appeal preserves the status quo pending determination of the case. It maintained that the “status quo” remains the executive action of March 24, 2024, by which Prof. Eule was removed from office.

The statement dismissed as “misleading and of no legal effect” any recent pronouncements made by Prof. Eule in the capacity of traditional ruler, urging members of the community to disregard such communications.

The Committee also warned that any action capable of altering the subject matter of the appeal could amount to contempt of court. It advised Prof. Eule to desist from parading himself as Eze or issuing directives in that capacity pending the final determination of the appeal.

Reaffirming its mandate, the AIAC said it currently administers the community with the backing of Nde Nwe Uhu (Heads of Villages), the Council of Chiefs and Azumini Na Oha (General Assembly), pending the resolution of the chieftaincy dispute.

The Committee further assured residents that preparations for the 2026 Ikoro Festival had been concluded and would proceed as earlier announced under its supervision.

While cautioning against actions capable of inciting unrest, the AIAC said it would not hesitate to petition security agencies if necessary to maintain peace and order in the community. It added that relative peace and stability have prevailed in Azumini since the removal of Prof. Eule.

Copies of the statement were sent to the Governor of Abia State, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Commissioner of Police, the Chairman of Ukwa East Local Government Area, and other relevant security authorities.