The Mburubu kingdom in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State is experiencing a positive turn of events following the resolution of a prolonged crisis related to the selection of a traditional ruler.
Mburubu faced a severe crisis lasting several weeks as the community sought to fill the vacuum left by the late Igwe Emmanuel Muonyelu Ogbuzulu. The situation led to a division within the community, with one faction allegedly supporting Enugu State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh, while the rest of the community took a different stance. The conflict escalated with accusations and counter-accusations, involving even the Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon Sydney Okey Edeh.
However, on Saturday, a sense of normalcy was restored as the opposing factions reconciled, coming together to request Governor Peter Mbah to present the staff of office to the Igwe-elect, Ozo Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe. The event, held at Mburubu Primary School, attracted a large crowd from the community’s five villages.
Speakers at the event expressed joy and described the development as divine. Community leader and former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon Chijioke Nwachukwu, highlighted the significance of the occasion, emphasizing that Chief Onuokaibe had been chosen unanimously to serve as the traditional ruler. Nwachukwu called on the state government to promptly release Chief Onuokaibe’s certificate and staff of office.
Chief Sylvanus Njoku, speaking on behalf of ‘Ndị Nze na Ozo Mburubu,’ and Ozo Raphael Ugwu, Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndịgbo in Enugu South Local Government Area, expressed confidence in Chief Onuokaibe’s leadership and commended the tussle over the throne for its potential to drive progress.
In his response, the Igwe-elect, Chief Onuokaibe, pledged his commitment to the development of the Mburubu community. He expressed gratitude to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and acknowledged the contributions of Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh, promising to collaborate with him.