Non natives residing at Umuode community in Aba, Abia State have paid a solidarity visit to the traditional ruler of the area, Eze Young Ajuzieogu at his palace over a recent attack on him by some youths of his community.
Recall that Eze Ajuzieogu was on February 17, 2014, attacked and his vehicle destroyed by some youths of his community alleging that the monarch had given out their inheritance to non natives.
247ureports.com gathered that the monarch drew the ire of the youths when he refused their request to exercise control over levies contributed by non natives for the rehabilitation of roads in the community.
During the protest march which paralyzed economic activities in the community, non natives were also attacked by the rampaging youths and some of their vehicles smashed.
In a petition written by the Non-Indigenes Welfare Association, Osisioma Ngwa chapter, addressed to the monarch and signed by Comrades Chidiebere Ogbonna and Afamefuna Nnaji, among others, the Association condemned the action of the youths.
“We condemn the barbaric attitude of the youths who were involved in the attack of His Highness and we have come to pay this solidarity visit to prove our support for your noble actions.”
They commend the monarch for his efforts in bringing peace between the indigenes and non indigenes in Umuode community and urged him not to be deterred by the action of the youths.
A youth leader from the area, Chief Chinwenmezu Onwutuebe said it was an abomination for some youths in the area to attack and destroy the property of their traditional ruler who is the head of the community.
In his speech, Eze Ajuzieogu said as a traditional ruler, there was no way he would segregate between the natives and non natives, stressing that everybody living within his domain were his subjects.
“Umuode is an emerging urban area and there is no way development will come to the area the way it is presently doing without the involvement of non natives and that was the reason I have refrained from being parochial in my actions.
“All of you, whether natives or non natives, so far as you are residing in Umuode community, you are my subjects and there will be no discrimination whatsoever from any quarter.”
He saw the attack on him as being a price he had to pay for being the leader of his community, pointing out that he had forgiven all those who had regretted their actions and apologized.
Eze Ajuzieogu commended Dr. Joseph Okeke and Comrade Timothy Ibezim among other executives of the Non Indigenes Association for the way they have handled the affairs of the body and welfare of its members.
The monarch advised his subjects to remain law abiding, support the present administration in the state and move about their normal businesses without fear.
