Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the Obi of Obinugwu and Chancellor, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State has bounced back to lead the Igbo Traditional Rulers Forum, the main umbrella association of recognized traditional rulers in Igbo Speaking States in Nigeria.
Ilomuanya was Chairman South East Council of Traditional Rulers and held sway at that time when President Goodluck Jonathan was President and the PDP was in power. Things went awry for the monarch when Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha took over the reigns of governance of the State.The Governor deposed the monarch which was reversed by the law courts.
His election as Chairman of Igbo Traditional Rulers Forum is a major leap for Eze Ilomuanya.
According to Kennedy Enweama, his media consultant he said “his election was sequel to a resolution endorsed by the trustees of the Forum made up of eminent Traditional rulers in Igbo land. The trustees stressed that the choice of Eze Ilomuanaya was in recognition of his sterling leadership qualities, dynamism, charisma and the honour he had brought to the traditional institution in Nigeria.
Enweama quoted the monarch who is erstwhile Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers to have said at the end of the meeting of the trustees of Igbo Traditional Rulers Forum that he will strive and ensure that the dignity of the traditional institution in Igbo land is not compromised. He said that the Igbo traditional institution is a symbol of identity for the Igbos, pointing out that Igbo culture, norms and values remain sacrosanct.
On security, he pleaded with Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s determination to make Nigeria a safe haven of peace for everybody to live in. He argued that security should be everybody’s concern and must not be left for the government alone. “Mr. President appreciates the enormity of the security challenges facing our nation and therefore, needs everybody’s support. Collectively, we can eradicate Boko Haram and other security worries. We should not wait for government at all levels alone to do this” he posited.
Eze Ilomuanya also appealed to Nigerians to participate actively in next year’s general elections, noting that the possession of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) is a compulsory requirement from any patriotic Nigerian of voting age. He said he was pleased with assurances of free, fair and credible election atmosphere by the federal government. He maintained that such assurances are healthy for the growth of democracy in Nigeria.