Center Eze-Elect Chimokem John Paul Okoronkwo, his wife and Comrade Chinedu Ogoke with the wife.

Governor Rochas Okorocha has “settled” the lingering ezeship tussle in Umualumaku/Umuihim Autonomous Community, Ehime Mbano LGA in favour of Nze Chimokem John Paul Okoronkwo as Eze-elect.

Umualumaku/Umuihim Autonomous Community has been polarized as a result of who becomes the traditional ruler of the community following the demise of HRH Eze Cyril Nduka.

The hitherto peaceful community has sat on the keg of gun powder following the belief in one section of the community that the ezeship stool is hereditary, while the other section insists that the stool is rotatory.

A face-off ensued between the two camps and the proverbial sword of Damocles dangled on the community.

For over two years, colossal amounts of money was expended by both sides in an attempt to outwit each other as different strategies, manipulations and methodologies were adopted by the warring factions.

The cold war worsened when the Mercedes Benz car belonging to Comrade Chinedu Ogoke, the then President General was set blaze by unknown arsonists who left a box of matches, a short axe and a gallon with remnants of fuel as exhibits.

The appointment of members of the Community Government Council became the albatross and melting point as one section of the community emerged victorious as most of the members, loyal to their course were appointed as members of the CGC.

Respite came to the community as the governor’s intervention led to the emergence of eze-elect.

But double still looms as the battle has moved to the law courts as one of the camps has filed a suit challenging the decision of the State Governor.

The decision of Owelle Rochas Okorocha to intervene in Ezeship dispute is anchored on the premise that the conflicts hamper the operation of the Community Government Council which is geared towards bringing government to the grassroots.

THE LEADER spoke with Eze-elect, Chimaokem John-Paul Okornkwo who promised to embrace his opponent to ensure that peace and harmony returns to the community.

Sir Noble Amah, a community leader is optimistic that the new eze-elect will rule with the fear of God and also attract rapid development to the community.

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