The Azumini Interim Administrative Committee (AIAC) has responded to recent public statements by Prof. Edward Ebere Eule, insisting that he remains dethroned and has no legal authority to parade himself as the traditional ruler of Azumini Autonomous Community in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.
In a statement issued to members of the community and copied to relevant government and security authorities, the committee maintained that Eule’s Staff of Office and Certificate of Recognition were withdrawn by the Abia State Government on March 24, 2024, and have not been reissued.
The committee said the government’s action followed an investigation into allegations of misconduct made against the former monarch by some members of the community. It listed the allegations as including alleged misappropriation of public land, illegal sale of communal infrastructure and diversion of public funds.
According to the committee, the state government subsequently constituted a panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations, adding that Eule allegedly failed to appear before the panel despite invitations.
The AIAC further stated that, following the panel’s findings, Eule was suspended for 30 days on February 21, 2024, and directed to take steps towards restoring public confidence before his removal was confirmed on March 24, 2024, with the withdrawal of his Staff of Office and Certificate of Recognition.
The committee argued that, under the Abia State Traditional and Autonomous Communities (Amendment No. 2) Law, 2018, legal authority to function as a recognised traditional ruler derives from the Staff of Office issued by the Governor.
It acknowledged the cultural significance of traditional symbols such as the Ọfọ but maintained that such symbols do not, on their own, confer legal recognition as a traditional ruler.
“Until a Staff of Office is reissued, no individual can validly exercise the powers of the traditional stool,” the committee stated, adding that Azumini currently has no legally recognised Eze.
Appeal Pending
On the legal dispute surrounding Eule’s removal, the AIAC said the Abia State Government had filed a Notice of Appeal and a Motion for Stay of Execution against a High Court judgment concerning the matter.
It stated that the appeal, referenced as CA/OW/354/25, had been entered at the Court of Appeal, Owerri Judicial Division.
The committee maintained that the pending appeal preserves the status quo, which it said remains the executive action of March 24, 2024, by which Eule was removed from office.
It consequently described recent statements or directives allegedly issued by Eule in the capacity of traditional ruler as “misleading and of no legal effect,” urging members of the community to disregard them.
The AIAC also warned that any action capable of altering the subject matter of the appeal could amount to contempt of court.
It therefore advised Eule to desist from parading himself as Eze of Azumini or issuing directives in that capacity pending the final determination of the case.
Committee Reaffirms Mandate
Reaffirming its authority, the committee said it was currently administering the affairs of the community with the support of the Nde Nwe Uhu (Heads of Villages), Council of Chiefs and Azumini Na Oha (General Assembly), pending the resolution of the chieftaincy dispute.
It also assured residents that preparations for the 2026 Ikoro Festival had been concluded and that the event would proceed as earlier announced under its supervision.
While cautioning against actions capable of disrupting peace in the community, the committee said it would petition security agencies where necessary to maintain law and order.
It further claimed that relative peace and stability had prevailed in Azumini since Eule’s removal.
Copies of the statement were said to have been sent to the Governor of Abia State, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner of Police, Chairman of Ukwa East Local Government Area and other relevant security authorities.
