By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The traditional ruler of Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Kris Onyekwuluje has passed on.
The State’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne confirmed this to this reporter, Izunna Okafor, in a telephone interview.
The Commissioner, who said the monarch died on Tuesday, described his death as a huge loss, while also praying for his soul to find eternal rest in the Almighty. He further commiserated with the people of Umunya over the incident, noting that he would be dearly missed.
This reporter further gathered that the Igwe Onyekwuluje’s demise came barely five days to the proposed Town Union election of his community, scheduled for December 31, which, according to sources, may necessitate a shift of the election date by the community, as a mark of honour to him.
Recall that Igwe Onyekwuluje (popularly known as Eze-Nya I), who was crowned in 1998, escaped assassination in 2015 after the men of the Special Anti-Robbery squad (SARS) foiled an attempt to murder him in cold blood by ten men, who were eventually arrested by the operatives of the Anambra State Police Command.
The monarch, however, died barely 8 years after the incident and 25 years after his coronation.
May his soul rest in peace!
