A dramatic scene unfolded in Ubulu-Uku kingdom, Aniocha South, on Friday, as youths chased out Chief Emma Ejiofor for impersonating the Onishe of Ubulu-Uku kingdom at the Ubulu-Uku Iwu Festival.
Eyewitnesses reported that Emma Ejiofor’s actions not only disrespected the Obi of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom, Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze, but also a sacrilege.
The incident began when a sacred native gun shot was heard, a ritual reserved exclusively for the Obi before the Onishe, Chief James Onwordi.
On hearing the gunshot, youths quickly located the source of the sound and found Emma Ejiofor performing the ritual.
“We were preparing for our festival when we heard the sacred gun shot,” said an eyewitne.
“We immediately went to stop Emma Ejiofor and chase him out of our community for committing sacrilege.”
Community members expressed outrage over Emma Ejiofor’s actions, citing disrespect for the Obi and the kingdom’s traditions.
“Emma Ejiofor’s disrespect is highly unfortunate and embarrassing,” said another eyewitness.
“We can’t continue to allow him to disrespect and disobey our Obi.
“We have only one king, Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze, and one Onishe, Chief James Asika Onwordi.”
Emma Ejiofor’s impersonation of the Onishe has been ongoing since Chief James Onwordi’s installation by the Obi.
The Ubulu-Uku Kingdom has a rich cultural heritage, with strict traditions guiding its leadership and rituals.
Youths and leaders condemned Emma Ejiofor’s actions while calling for respect, upholding traditions and respecting leadership.
