Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state
has restrained traditional rulers from
speaking the English language at public
functions in the communities of the state.
According to him, all monarchs in Imo State
must speak the indigenous language at
functions and conduct activities in their
palaces in Igbo.
The governor gave the order on Tuesday,
July 11, during the handing over ceremony
of the staff of office and certificate of
recognition to 19 monarchs at the
Government House, Owerri, Daily Sun
reports.
Okorocha also called on the traditional
rulers to promote peace, progress, and
prosperity rather than causing a division
and disunity in their respective community.
He warned that any Monarch who couldn’t
show genuine leadership in his
autonomous Community stands the risk of
having his Certificate of Recognition and
Staff of Office withdrawn.
He said,
“Today, history is made that light has
come and darkness would not
comprehend at all. The truth has
surfaced and the right people have
finally become the Custodian of the
traditional right of their people. You
are not permitted to speak English at
functions. This will help keep our
Culture and Igbo language alive”.
He continued:
“For many years now, most of you
have been looking for a day like this.
Some of you were victims of injustice
and never believed that this could be
possible and most of you have been
waiting without knowing your fate.
But today, it is a manifest of truth that
your people have chosen you, and the
government of Imo State has
approved”.
He further stated:
“I took the bold step of reconciling
people, took the step to ensure that
truth came to be and voided the
rancour that has existed in our
various communities over ezeship
title. This has equally affected the
Community Government Council (CGC)
negatively because every community
requires an Eze to function effectively
as the head of the Community
Government Council.
“Today, that responsibility has fallen
on you, I urge you not to fail as
failure is not an option. I encourage
you to help the government in
developing the resources of our land
as posterity will only remember you
for your positive contributions in the
development of your community and
not in how much wealth you
enmassed as an eze”.
He added:
“Remember that to whom much is
given much is expected. This whole
exercise you must understand is not
an election or appointment to enable
you distinguish between those who
love you and those who hate you.
Today, you are an Eze, and you must
be the Eze for everyone both those
against you and those who were for
you. I advise you to take all of them
along and embrace peace. Your first
assignment should be to invite those
who were against you to make peace
in your land as no Eze can function
effectively if there is no peace in your
land.
“Today, you join several Ezes in the
Communities of Imo State. You are
now addressed as royal fathers and
members of Imo State Traditional
Council which its right is given to you
until death, unless you act in such a
manner that you are found wanting
before the members of this society.
“The essence of Ezeship is not in the
title of being called HRM or HRH, it’s in
what you have been able to do to
change your society for good. You
have to understand that you have
enormous responsibilities, Ezeship is
not an easy job, it attracts enmity and
takes all your time”.
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