The Amanyanabo of Ingeje community wherein Belema is situated in the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Sir. HRH King (Barr.) G.A. Egbelekuro Opueze VIII has called on the Government of Rivers State, the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) and other relevant authorities to accord the King Opueze stool the respect it deserves by elevating it to 2nd class.
King Opueze VIII who made the called in Port Harcourt on Monday, recalled that in 1936 the then District Officer of Degema Consulate, Hutton recognized the said stool, but without classification.
According to him, precisely on the 30th of January, 1998, his community submitted a memorandum to the Secretary Chieftaincy Review Committee, Government office, Podium Block, Room 1035, State Secretariat Complex demanded for proper classification of the King Opueze stool.
Ingeje is one of the fourteen autonomous communities in Kula kingdom. King Opueze VIII stressed the importance of Ingeje community to economic growth and development of Nigeria.
King Opueze noted that since the 8th Rivers Assembly moves to review or repeal the traditional chieftaincy law, “it will be germane to ask the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike to consider the ancient Opueze kingship stool as 2nd class. The reason is that the community is economical viable”, adding that it hosts two multinational firms and several oil services companies”.
The Ingeje monarch regretted that communities that are not productive are enjoying chieftaincy classifying benefits by receiving 5% accrue from the LGA allocation and, “it is highly regrettable that we that produce oil and gas are neglected”.
The Paramount Ruler further recalled that, during the Governor’s electioneering campaign, he had promised to look into the traditional chieftaincy institution in the state as soon as he resumes office.
The Ingeje monarch, however, pleaded with Governor Wike to listen to his appeal so as to put smiles on the face of the people of the community. “I am saying this because past administrations had swept our demand for chieftaincy stool classification under the carpet,” Opueze said.
Opueze VIII had earlier felicitated with Governor Wike, his deputy, Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, both Federal and State Legislators on their electoral victory. The Opueze further congratulated the commissioners on their recent appointment and prayed God to give them the wisdom to pilot the affairs of the state. ###
