Abia State government has said the staff of office of the highly revered Eze Aro, Dr Eberechukwu Oji is intact, denying a viral media report that it had been issued a court order to withdraw the staff.
The IX monarch of the domain of the once famous and historical Long Juju of Arochukwu was coronated on July 27 at a highly publicised ceremony attended by Aros and their well-wishers from both home and abroad.
The report said the order, which also restrained him from parading himself as the Eze of the ancient kingdom, was issued by a High Court of the state presided by Justice Chido Nwakanma.
“The court’s decision, handed down on July 31, 2024, follows a contentious legal battle over the rightful holder of the prestigious traditional title,” the report added.
Special adviser to the governor on media and publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma denied the report yesterday while speaking to newsmen on the matter in Umuahia, the state capital.
Ekeoma, who said the government had not “received any court order to that effect as indicated in the report”, described the report as baseless and unfounded false rumour.
“It’s government that issues staff of office; it’s government that recognises every Eze. When you are coronated you are issued with staff of office, you are given a certificate.
“And those processes were completely adhered to. No person who has not been recognised, who has not gone through the process has the locus to challenge the coronated Eze,” he said.
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