An Enugu High court presided over by Justice Nwobodo has sacked Chief Meniru Victor as the traditional ruler of Egwu Achi community in Oji-River Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The court in its judgment declared the process that brought Meniru to the throne as fraudulent and therefore null and void.
The judgment is coming about 10 years after majority rejected his emergence which they alleged was manipulated against the popular wish of the people.
The court in dethroning the Monarch granted a perpetual injunction restraining him from parading himself as the Igwe of Dunu Kingdom as he is not, and never was.
In his reaction President General Egwu Achi Town Union Okechukwu Onwuka described the court verdict as victory of good over evil.
“This is Victory for Egwu Dunu Kingdom. This is Victory for Egwu Achi Town Union and this is Victory for Achi Land.”
On his part the deposed traditional ruler Victor Meniru had this to say; “Well let me state it clear to all Oji River people that Justice Nwobodo said the election that made me is not clear in his eyes. After they struck out Enugu State Government that gave me certificate and staff of office.
“He said that I should go back to election where I have evidence that I won the election.
My team of lawyers have appealed the ruling. We have put in stay of execution and Notice of appeal.
“I will not join issues with those who do not know how legal issues work. Meanwhile the said Okechukwu Onwuka is no longer the PG of Egwu Achi. The 3rd term illegal town Union renewed to by Hon Eric Oluedo when he was Commisonner for Rural Development expired on the 26th day of December 2018. The renewal was against the wish of Egwu Achi people. I will not say much again.”
The traditional ruler noted that chieftancy matters end in Supreme Court insisting that he would remain on the throne until Supreme Court closes the case.
Also reacting former commissioner Eric Oluedo dismissed claims of illegal renewal of a third term for the Town Union President.
Hear the former commissioner: “I did not do illegal renewal of 3rd Term for Onwuka.
“During my time, the renewal of tenure of PGs under Town Union Reform which I championed in the state, complied fully with the 2004 Enugu State Laws as ammended.
“The renewal of Egwu Achi Town Union PG during my tenure was lawful, authentic and NEVER against the wish of Egwu Achi people.”
On the contrary, he noted that his support for the deposed monarch to emerge and be recognized by Enugu State Government as Igwe “was the only thing that I did which was against the wish of Egwu Achi people, because Egwu Achi people led a massive Protest against me to Enugu State Government House.”
