…Says: Retired Judge-Fred, popular with pedigree
…He’ll be next Ozuruigbo
A son of the Njemanze Royal Dynasty of Owere Nchi Ise in Owerri Municipal Council, Imo State, Prince Bob K -Njemanze has said that the selection of Retired, Hon .Justice Fred Ezeohiri Njemanze as the Crown Prince of Owerri was in tandem with the wishes, culture and tradition of the indigenous people of Owere Nchi Ise,even as he averred thathe has well as the pedigree to rule.
Prince Bob Njemanze who was responding to questions from newsmen on issues surrounding the on-going process for the selection of the next Ozuruigbo, the Eze of Owere explained that Owerri as an indigenous community has always had a semblance of a Federation with five villages, each under a village head with considerable or quasi autonomy under a paramount ruler, the Ozuruigbo .
The 2014 member of the Federal government’s Political Reforms Conference went down memory lane to recall the history, organization and emergence of past Ozuruigbos of Owerri, hinted that following the emergence of Retired Justice Fred Njemanze, as Crown Prince of Owerri, the next step would be his unveiling to Amawom Community, after which he would be presented to the first son(Village) of Owerri, Umuororonjo (Opara Owerri) for the traditional blessing.
This he explained would be proceeded by the Crown Prince’s presentation to the entire Owerri and eventual coronation as Ozuruigbo VI.
Prince Bob Njemanze equally noted that the practice of selecting a crown prince was not new in Owere Nchi Ise as according to him, Eze Emmanuel Emenyonu Njemanze of blessed memory was a Crown Prince prior to his coronation as Ozuruigbo V.
He maintained that what Owerri people are doing presently, was completely in line with the age-long culture and tradition of Owere Nchi Ise people .
On the issue of Prince Charles Njemanze who recently laid claim as the Eze- elect, Prince Bob Njemanze explained that he (Bob) was part of the effort towards realising the botched project,but informed that the Imo State Government did not buy the idea on grounds that the former administration of Gov Rochas Anayo Okorocha had issued staff of office to somebody as Eze Amawom; the reason he said, gave rise to the demand for a Crown Prince by Nde Owere. More so,the choice and process by Okorocha was alien to their culture,as “no single individual makes an Eze”.
He also hinted that laws are not suppose to over-reach the cherished and established culture and traditions of a people.
The statesman said he is taking all the brunt as a leader in Njemanze family to ensure that the integrity of Njemanze dynasty is not demeaned.
The Prince advised all concerned to give peace a chance.
NIGERIA NEWSPOINT
