The traditional leadership has been the basis of local government in most of Africa throughout history. In the pre-colonial Africa, African societies were ruled by kings supported by a hierarchy of chiefs and councillors or advisors, who were either their close relatives or selected from their communities. These traditional leaders served as political, military, spiritual and cultural leaders and were regarded as custodians of the values of society. They looked after the welfare of their people by providing them with land for their subsistence needs through agriculture. They also provided for the very poor and orphans.
Traditional leaders were responsible for the defence of their people against external aggression and for keeping order in their communities.
They resolved disputes with the emphasis on reconciliation and thus ensured harmony among neighbours. They inspired unity in their people. Pre-colonial African societies are reputed to have had a kind of participatory democracy through general assemblies of all adult above 18 years of age. The community participated in decision-making on important matters affecting the community. It is important to note that even in pre-colonial times not all traditional leaders were benevolent, generous and caring towards their people. Some were autocratic and oppressive. Sometimes, those who have intent not to work for the people change their heart when they see the level of support they enjoy from their subjects.
When the people stay for too long without having a traditional ruler to superintend over the affairs of an autonomous community, they feel empty and disconnected from the traditional gains of leadership.
This vacuum, which nature abhors no matter how long it takes, was filled last Saturday, 8th of January, 2022 in Uwuahia/Okeudo Eziudo autonomous community of Ezinihitte Mbaise local government of Imo State when the people in one accord decided to elect their traditional ruler. Sometimes, when a people decide to do things themselves, it becomes peaceful than when the decision is forced on them.
The decision of the people paid off as a new traditional ruler in the person of Chief Dr. John Epeagba Onuoha (Ezihu) was elected. He polled 568 votes to clinch the position of the stool after two years. The other contestants, from Chief Wise Ibeji (Ikenga) had 432, Chief Dr. Richard Ihekeronye (Umulolo) had 109 votes while Chief Paul Ihuoma (Umuagwu) had 42 votes.
Never had such election been held in the history of Owuahia/Okeudo Eziudo autonomous community where superlative organization, order and decorum were recorded. The arrangement was superb to the admiration of all and sundry, especially that the peaceful disposition of the voters, organizers, security operatives and even the contestants was second to none.
I have seen traditional stool elections, I have not seen such where the contestants seat in one roll, chatting away the tension and pressure typical of any election. Here, the four contestants of election sat together, discussing in high sense of convivialities, appreciating the atmosphere of peace and serenity that the election provided.
Shortly after the counting of votes and declaring of a winner in the person of Chief Dr. John Epeagba Onuoha, the other three contestants showed sense of sportsmanship, hugged themselves and made very lively statements that drew their acceptance of the results of the election.
As if that was not enough, the other contestants moved to the residence of the Eze-elect Chief John Onuoha to wine and dine with him alongside his supporters for the victory at the election. Never has it been seen where contestants of election of traditional rulers went to campaign together, urging the people to vote their choice. They also agreed among themselves that no person will approach the court after election. What a way to go, that shows the maturity of the contestants.
There’s no gain saying the fact that the autonomous community is already on the path of development as the contestants come together to move Owuahia/Okeudo Eziudo autonomous community forward. I extol the virtues of those who contested the election. They understood that at one time, there must be one traditional ruler seeing to the welfare of the community. They have also shown in their rare display of spirit of camaraderie that those ideas of theirs will be submitted to the new traditional ruler for integrated development that brings social change.
It is also important that those who are aggrieved for one reason or another should sheath their swords and come, work with the stakeholders of community to engender the needed infrastructural development and basic social amenities that are yet to come to the area.
The only way the people can continue to respect and make green in the minds of the subjects, the reign of the late traditional ruler in the person of HRM, Eze Sir Desmond Ogugua JP, MFR, OON (Mmiri na edoroha 1 of Eziudo) is to come together and work as one people bearing in mind that development has no religious, political and social classing. Development touches all and sundry. I thank the planning committee, electoral committee and those who saw to the successful conduct of the election. History will not forget your efforts in a hurry.
