Ehichioya Steve Odion
The Uneme Uzanu Community has issued a strong rebuttal to a recent advertorial published by individuals falsely claiming to be members of the OLIOLA - in - COUNCIL, and therefore purporting to have deposed the Traditional Ruler and Clan Head, His Royal Highness Benjamin Ikani.
The publication, which appeared in select media outlets, has been widely condemned by Uneme Uzanu Traditional Council and people of Uzanu as a reckless display of lack of knowledge of Uneme custom and tradition and a brazen act of sacrilege and a calculated attempt to undermine the community's traditional leadership. According to Uneme Uzanu customs, the Oliola - in - Council is a sacred institution composed solely of Red-Cap Chiefs, Turbaned Chiefs and Elders, and no individual outside this designations is permitted to speak or act on it's behalf.
The so-called 'council' behind the advertorial lacks every form of legitimacy, the Uneme Uzanu Traditional Council stated. Their claims are not only baseless, but also deeply offensive to our customs, cultural values and sense of communal dignity.
The Council particularly took issues with the individual, Mr Benjamin Momoh, falsely presenting himself as the Secretary of the Oliola -in- Council. According to the Council, the position of Secretary is not merely administrative but one of significant cultural and operational importance. It requires a person of impeccable character, proven competence and recognized traditional standing -- specifically, the status of a Red-Cap Chief.
The imposter lacks all qualifications for the role. He is neither a Red-Cap Chief nor a recognized member of the Oliola -in- Council. At best he may be appointed to function in the capacity of personal assistant or aide within the Palace, which does not in any way confer eligibility to act as Secretary of the Oliola -in- Council on him, the Council clarified.
The Council also dismissed the self-styled "Youth Chairman" title introduced in the advertorial, labeling it an aberration with no basis in Uzanu's traditional governance structure.
Furthermore, the Council expressed disappointment that the advertorial, rife with typographical errors and factual inaccuracies, could be taken seriously. It's poor presentation and hasty composition reflect the incompetence and desperation of those behind it, the statement added. The Uneme Uzanu Traditional Council emphasized its unwavering commitment to preserving the sanctity of its institutions and customs. We will not sit idly by while our secred traditions are desecrated. We are fully prepared to defend the dignity, authority and continuity of our revered traditional leadership.
In closing, the Council reaffirmed its unwavering support for HRH Benjamin Ikani as the legitimate and undisputed Oliola of Uzanu and Traditional Head of Southeast Uneme Clan and urged the public to disregard the misleading and unauthorized publication.
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