IDUMUJE-UNOR/Nigeria: The people of Idumuje-Unor community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State have strongly condemned a media publication credited to an Ibusa chief, Tony Nwankwo Nwaezeigwe, describing his remarks against the traditional ruler of the kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Obi Charles Chukwumwike Anyasi III, as “abominable, defamatory, and sacrilegious.”
In a statement signed on behalf of the Obi-in-Council by the Odogwu of Idumuje-Unor, Chief Ike R. Chukwudi, the community said it was compelled to react after Nwaezeigwe allegedly made malicious comments targeting the revered monarch over his recent public remarks on the agitation for the creation of Anioma State.
The community said the monarch merely exercised his constitutional right to free speech during a recent appearance on TVC’s “Behind the Headlines” programme, where he spoke on national and regional issues, including the ongoing push for Anioma State creation being championed by Senator Ned Nwoko.
In the statement titled “Nwaezeigwe’s Sacrilegious Statement Against Idumuje Monarch and Kingdom: We Stand by Our Noble King,” the Obi-in-Council described the Ibusa chief’s comments as “reckless, disrespectful, and steeped in deliberate misinformation about Anioma identity and Idumuje history.”
“We vehemently condemn Nwaezeigwe’s obnoxious and unguarded statements as a tragic taboo, a heinous sacrilege not just against the royal father but against the entire Idumuje Clan comprising Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, and Aniofu,” the statement read.
The community further explained that the monarch, during the TV interview, did not claim that all Anioma people hailed from a single origin, but rather emphasized the region’s diverse roots, including Benin, Owo, Igala, and the East, while noting that “Aniomas are statutorily Igbos by classification.”
Chief Chukwudi said it was “alarming and unfortunate” that Nwaezeigwe misrepresented the monarch’s statement and failed to understand the difference between monarchical chronology and dynasty, thereby distorting the historical lineage of Idumuje-Unor.
“The incumbent monarch is the third in the Anyasi dynasty and the 11th in chronological order from Okwunye. Nwaezeigwe’s attempt to create imaginary conflicts within the clan is mischievous and satanic,” the statement added.
The Obi-in-Council noted that contrary to the Ibusa chief’s claims, the Idumuje and Odiani clans have peacefully coexisted for centuries, with Idumuje-Unor recognized as the head of the nine communities that make up the newly approved Aniocha North State Constituency II (Idumuje and Odiani).
Describing Obi Anyasi III as a “royal father of integrity, intellect, and vision,” the community lauded his calm and articulate responses during the TV appearance, saying he addressed issues “with majestic authority and intellectual candour befitting his throne.”
“Our Obi stands tall as one of Nigeria’s most iconic media figures, a legendary columnist, philanthropist, and humanitarian who embodies the heritage and dignity of the Idumuje people,” the statement emphasized.
The community, therefore, reaffirmed its unwavering loyalty to the monarch and warned against further acts of provocation or defamation aimed at desecrating the traditional institution.
“The Obi of Idumuje-Unor is far greater than what Nwaezeigwe could ever imagine. We stand firmly by our king,” the statement concluded.
