Ibeku is the dominant clan in Umuahia North Local Government Area and comprises 15 autonomous communities which play host to the Abia State capital.
The monarch's pronouncement is coming on the heels of a media publication controverting the indigenship of the former governor.
Eze Onuoha who addressed newsmen yesterday in Umuahia insisted that Senator Orji is not only a bonifide but an illustrious son of Ibeku whom they are very proud of, adding that anybody with a contrary view is only playing to the gallery.
According to him anyone disputing the origin of Senator Orji is only doing so for political reasons, and should be ignored.
The monarch said Senator Orji's contribution to the development of Ibeku land "right from his days as the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Abia State Governor and now that he is a senator are unparalleled".
His words: " T. A Orji ( Ochendo) did for us what no Ibeku man or any Abia governor has done. He brought rapid development to Ibeku. We revere him because he is an achiever, our illustrious son who has done us proud.
" I am the one who gave chieftaincy title to his son, Chinedum who is also a worthy son of Ibeku land. No body will come to say Ochendo is not from Ibeku. He has been advancing the cause of Ibeku people while he was Chief of Staff , and when he became Governor he gave us a sense of belonging".
The octogenarian who has been on the throne for 23 years said he would not hesitate to endorse Senator Orji for a second tenure because of his impressive performance and quality representation so far at the senate.
He also endorsed Orji's son , Hon. Chinedum Orji representing Umuahia Central state constituency, as well as Hon. Chukwudi Apugo representing Umuahia East state constituency at the Abia House of Assembly for a second term.
" As the custodian of the custom and "offor" of Ibeku land I will endorse and give my blessings to Ochendo, his son Chinedum, and Chukwudi Apugo for a second term in office because they have done well so far. If they come to me in 2019 I will lay hands on them and endorse them, and success will follow them.
" Chukwudi Apugo came to me in 2015 when he was seeking election and I laid hands on him and blessed him and he was successful. He has not let Ibeku people down. He has been fighting as a lion to get our share at the House and that is the type of people we need to represent us.
" I am not a politician but as the custodian of the " offor" ( tradition) of Ibeku land , I know what is good for my people and I will not hide the truth from them. I am an independent mind and cannot double speak".
On the leadership crisis rocking the Ibeku Egwuasa Development Association ( IEADA), the monarch sued for peace and enjoined both parties to embrace peace in the overall interest of Ibeku people.
The controversy followed the election of Chief Emeka Enyeazu as the President General of IEADA while another faction of the people also elected Chief Princewill Ukaegbu as IEADA President.
The Enyeazu-led faction has since been recognised by the state government and enjoys popular support of the people.
Eze Onuoha said the rift would have long been resolved if the arrowheads in both camps had heeded his advice but noted that it was not late for the tussle to be permanently put to rest.
The monarch however advised that whoever that has the mandate of the majority of the people should be supported, adding that the views of Senator Orji as a leading figure in Ibeku land should be respected.
Eze Onuoha appealed to all Ibeku people to be united and "speak with one voice as one people", saying that he would love to see a united and undivided Ibeku.
From Steve Oko, Umuahia
Senator Orji, true son of Ibeku, says Ogurube Ibeku------Endorses senator, son, Apugo for 2nd term
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Wednesday, April 19, 2017
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Reviewed by Unknown
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Wednesday, April 19, 2017
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