By Chijindu Emeruwa

Hundreds of indigenes from Umuosu Ubakala community in Umuahia South local government area of Abia State, on Thursday, called for the outright sack of the Paramount tradirional ruler of the community, Eze Simeon Ibezim.

They decried the brutality of the Monarch on the community which includes harassment and intimidation of voiceless indigenes with security agents opposed to the latter’s misdemeanor.

Recall that the Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu had suspended the traditional ruler of Umuosu Autonomous Community in Umuahia South Local Government Area of the state, Eze Iheonye Simeon Ibezim.

The suspension of the Umuosu Ubakala traditional ruler, Eze Ibezim was contained in a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon J. C Nwanju.

Ibezim was also accused of changing the name of the autonomous community without the required process.

He was further accused of dissolution of duly elected and constituted union and appointed an interim committee.

Addressing journalists at a press conference held in Umuahia, the Abia state capital, spokesman of the aggrieved indigent members of Umuosu Ubakala clan, Mr. Francis Ekeleme lamented over the insensitivity of the traditional ruler, saying the latter’s inactions had continue to deny the Umuosu Ubakala community some critical infrastructural development.

The Ubakala indigenes posited that the stay of Eze Simeon Ibezim has inflicted huge wound on the growth of the community, appealing to the authorities responsible in Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs of Abia state to relieve the Monarch as the community cannot contain with him.

According to the Abia Community, “we cannot contend high handedness, intimidation and insensitivity to the plight of his subjects and changing the name of the autonomous community without due process.

“He had unlawfully order arrest of the citizens opposed to his misdeeds in the community, he should be depose and allow the community to properly present his successors”.

When contacted by our correspondent, the traditional Ruler of Umuosu Ubakala Community, Eze Iheonye Simeon Ibezim declined to speak with the press, giving reason that the state government was investigating the matters behind his suspension.

“I will not comment in the media on the issue because the investigation into the circumstance is ongoing by the State government”.