The Truth Behind The Demolition of Ezi Ndi-Eri Erosion Control Fence.: An Exclusive Interview with HRM King O'tuwa 1st on SPIN 95.3 FM
In this exclusive interview, our correspondent Aaron-Chisom Elekwachi speaks with HRM King O’tuwa 1st, the traditional ruler of Ama Abaa Ime Autonomous Community, to discuss the controversy surrounding the reconstruction of a wall in the village square and address the underlying issues within the community.
Interviewer: Your Majesty, it is a privilege to speak with you today.
HRM King O'tuwa 1st: Thank you for the opportunity. The pleasure is mine.
Q1: Disinformation campaigns are suggesting there’s a dispute between you and some members of the community about the construction of this wall. Can you clarify the situation?
HRM King O'tuwa 1st: Certainly. The matter concerns a wall originally built by my father in the 1970s to protect the people of Umuohia from erosion. Over time, the wall deteriorated, leading to flooding issues, especially affecting the people of Ndi Eri. To prevent further erosion and damage, I decided to take on the responsibility of rebuilding it.
A relative of mine, Mr. Azubuike Onyekwere, has faced similar challenges. Flooding has destroyed his fence three times, and he has had to rebuild it each time. Given these struggles, I felt it was important to restore the wall my father built.
Some friends advised me not to proceed, fearing a few people in Ama Abaa Ime might misinterpret my actions. Unfortunately, their concerns proved correct. Despite having the best interests of the community at heart, a small group of six individuals opposed the project.
I engaged a contractor with an estimated budget of ₦2.4 million to build a small, decorative wall in time for our New Yam Festival. It wasn’t a massive structure, just a dwarf fence that would enhance the area’s appearance. However, as soon as the contractor began laying the foundation, this group disrupted the work, scattering the foundation.
The community later invited me to explain what I was doing. Some had been misinformed that I was planning to build a massive wall with large gates. I clarified that this was false and provided accurate details. After my explanation, the community agreed that the construction should continue.
However, shortly after I left, the same individuals returned to disrupt the work again. This time, other members of the community tried to stop them and advised them to report to the authorities if they had concerns. Instead of following due process, these six individuals continued to obstruct the project.
What’s frustrating is that I have invested heavily in the development of this community over the years. I fought to reclaim Udide land from the Federal Government at great personal expense—hundreds of millions of naira. Once the land, stretching from Ama Abaa to Ngwa was secured, I handed it back to the people of the community without asking for anything in return.
Moreover, I’ve financed road repairs, paying for caterpillars and other machinery to open up roads across Ama Abaa. As a result, property values increased due to our proximity to the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, and many families became millionaires when they sold their lands. Again, I didn’t ask for any compensation.
When I built elementary schools, no one objected. When I paved the road from Umudike Junction to Nnono, no one raised concerns. When I brought a 500 KVA transformer from Germany through EEDC to improve the electricity supply in Ama Abaa, there was no opposition. But now, a few disgruntled individuals are causing trouble over a simple erosion-control project.
The core issue is that these individuals were removed from office for embezzling community funds, and they’ve been holding a grudge ever since. Their opposition to the wall is merely an excuse to create unrest.
Q2: What is the current state of the wall project?
HRM King O'tuwa 1st: For now, the project is on hold until the police complete their investigation.
Q3: What is the role of Mr. Azubuike Onyekwere in this matter?
Azubuike Onyekwere: I became involved when I noticed that the foundation of the wall was being destroyed. I approached the individuals and explained that the wall was crucial for erosion control, especially since my property is directly affected by flooding. My house suffers severe damage whenever it rains heavily, and this wall is essential to prevent further erosion.
We are four in the area: Ezi Ezeri, Eze Eleri, Ezi Ndieri, and Ezi Udele. The other three clans have already used their square spaces, and this is the last remaining area for us. I explained all of this to the individuals causing trouble, but they refused to listen.
What’s even more puzzling is that these people aren’t from our area. Their interference is unnecessary and unjustified. When it became clear that they wouldn’t stop, I decided to go to the police on my own. Let me be clear—HRM King O’tuwa 1st did not instruct me to involve the authorities. I filed a petition against the eleven individuals involved, and the police arrested seven of them. The individuals named in my petition are:
1. Oluchi Ishionwu
2. Okechukwu Osu
3. Ndubuisi Edward Ukaegbu
4. Nwankwo Edward Ukaegbu
5. Prince Edward Ukaegbu
6. Ikwuagwu Chinedum Ebila
7. Egweonu Attakas
8. Okechukwu Ikotta
9. Chinwe Iroanya
10. Youth President of Ama Abaa Ime (Name unknown yet, sir)
11. Ifeanyi Nwabuko (former PG of Ama Abaa Ime)
Four individuals fled and have not reported to the police station since.
On September 20th, 2024, the police came to our community and addressed us at the village square, where I explained my actions. Now, we’re waiting for the police investigation results.
On September 20th, 2024, the police came to our community and addressed us at the village square, where I explained my actions. Now, we’re waiting for the police investigation results.
Q4: Why did you feel the need to involve the police?
Azubuike Onyekwere: I was concerned that the situation could escalate into violence, and I didn’t want to take the law into my own hands. I believe that involving the police helped prevent things from getting out of control. Again, I want to emphasize that the decision was mine—the king had no part in it.
Q5: Your Majesty, do you have any final thoughts on this matter?
HRM King O'tuwa 1st: Yes. The individuals causing this unrest have been a disruptive force in the community for over a decade. They represent a small minority, but they have a history of inciting conflict and attempting to undermine the progress we’ve made in Ama Abaa Ime. Their grievances are personal, not communal. The ringleader, Ifeanyi Nwabuko, has been using his son, who is a police officer at Zone 9, to intimidate and harass me and my supporters by filing petitions and fabricating charges against me.
Q6: What do you believe is the root cause of their opposition?
HRM King O'tuwa 1st: The root of their opposition lies in their corruption. These individuals were embezzling funds meant for the community. They forcibly collected development levies from landlords and developers and pocketed the money. I took a stand against this, and now they’re fighting back. I’m committed to ensuring that Ama Abaa Ime’s resources are used for the benefit of everyone, not for the enrichment of a few.
To make matters worse, their ringleader, Ifeanyi Nwabuko, boastfully uses his son's name, a police officer at Zone 9, to harass and intimidate innocent citizens, especially those who oppose his divisive propaganda and actions in our otherwise peaceful community.
Final Thoughts
This interview sheds light on the intricate dynamics within Ama Abaa Ime, where development initiatives meant to uplift the community have faced resistance from a minority. HRM King O'tuwa 1st's efforts to rebuild an essential erosion-control wall have been met with disinformation campaigns fueled by personal grievances rooted in past corruption.
Despite the obstacles, HRM King O’tuwa 1st remains committed to his vision of progress for Ama Abaa Ime, consistently putting the community's interests first, as he has demonstrated through various development projects over the years. With the wall project temporarily paused pending the outcome of police investigations, the community now stands at a crossroads, torn between progress and the forces of disruption.
What remains clear is that HRM King O’tuwa 1st's leadership continues to prioritize the welfare of the entire community, as he strives to ensure that Ama Abaa Ime’s future remains bright and unified.
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