Protect Igbo Heritage, Otti Charges Traditional Rulers

...Monarchs Seek Harmony with Government

Published

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 11:49 AM

Written by Omotola Adeleke

Protect Igbo Heritage, Otti Charges Traditional Rulers

Dr. Alex Otti, the Abia State Governor, has urged traditional rulers in the Southeast to champion the preservation and promotion of the region's vibrant cultural heritage.


Speaking at the Southeast Traditional Rulers Council meeting in Umuahia, on Tuesday, Otti emphasized that a people's culture is their identity and encouraged the monarchs to take the lead in protecting and showcasing their rich traditions.


Otti also addressed pressing concerns, such as infighting over traditional leadership positions, which can harm family relationships and praised Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, as a shining example for monarchs to follow .


Additionally, Otti expressed dismay over community crises sparked by the selection of traditional rulers, highlighting how these conflicts hinder the royal fathers' ability to maintain peace in their domains.


He noted that there is a significant amount of infighting, conflict, and property destruction associated with the rise of certain traditional rulers, cautioning that "it shouldn’t be like this.".


“Every community should have a peaceful process of selecting its traditional ruler,” Otti said.


Describing power as fleeting, Otti said he views it as a chance for stewardship and urges the public to hold leaders accountable.


He emphasized that his administration in Abia State operates as a stewardship, focusing on delivering services to the people without seeking personal gain.


"Every leader is accountable to the people. A true leader must be a good listener,” he stated.


He advised that possession of wealth, government support and other mundane criteria should have no place in the selection of traditional rulers.


He thanked the leadership of the Southeast Traditional Rulers Council for choosing Abia State as the meeting venue and assured them of the warm hospitality of Ndi Abia.


In his address, Eze E. C. Okeke, Chairman of the Southeast Traditional Rulers Council and Imo State Traditional Rulers Council, commended Otti’s commitment to transforming the state, expressing pride in his achievements.


He noted that the council chose to meet in Abia to address key regional issues and thanked Otti for the peace and security in the state.


Earlier, Eze Linus Mbah, Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, and Eze Innocent Nwaigwe, Chairman of Umuahia North Council of Traditional Rulers, praised Otti for fostering a harmonious relationship between the state government and the traditional institution.


Also Read: Abia, Cross River, Rivers Lead As Cooking Gas Prices Rises


The royal fathers, including zonal leaders and delegates from each of the five Southeast states, stated that their primary agenda for the meeting focuses on finding effective solutions to the region's security issues.

Edited By: Chinedu Eze

The journey to greatness is one step at a time and you should be part of it.

Join the NDconnect community channels on WhatsApp and Telegram to get News updates and add to the voices shaping the future : ❤️

WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajWDeK29754T7BzHU2H

WhatsApp Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dlm6LmlgmzaKCMUYP4BPwC

Telegram t.me/NDConnectNewsAlert