By Roland Ike, Abakaliki
Chief Samuel Opuh, a former Coordinator of Oshiri Development Centre of Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi state has emerged, new traditional ruler of Oshiri autonomous community.
Reports say several efforts made in the past to elect a new traditional ruler for the community following the death of HRH J.U..O Nwogo, four years ago, proved abortive.
According to the report, the latest attempt eventually paid off as the election was keenly contested by 8 aspirants.
At the end of balloting, Opuh polled 10 votes to emerge victorious as his closest rival, Harrison Njoku polled 9 votes.
The other contestants who included Obasi Nweze polled 7 votes, Ifeanyi Nwagu polled 6 votes, Pius Okoro got 1 vote while three other aspirants didn’t get any vote.
Addressing the people at the community’s ancestral home after being coronated as “Ezeogo Akpataeze 1 of Oshiri”, Opuh promised to restore peace in the community.
“I will unite our community, restore moral values , bring development and linkages.
“I frown at what is happening today in our society where our youths are driven to criminal activities.
“I will pay serious attention to this with peace and development being my priority.”
Opuh noted that traditional rulers needed to link their communities to their neighbours, to ensure they are duly linked to the state and national.
“I urge my election rivals to cooperate with me in developing the community as I have served the community in many capacities.”
Eminent stakeholders of the community including Chief Obasi Odefa, former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly and Hon. Agu Opuh, the Coordinator of the development center, hailed the traditional ruler’s emergence.
“The installation of a new king in Oshiri will bring unity as the winner is known for his active service to the community.
“We laud the people for their genuine stance in electing a good man with good reputation as their king.
“We therefore urged the new king to be fair to all like King Solomon in the bible,” they echoed.
The election was monitored by representatives of the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and Onicha Local Government Area.
