Tension as Awka kingmakers dethrone Monarch, Obi Gibson Nwosu

www.odogwublog.com reports that the Awka Council of Kingmakers, on Sunday, announced the dethronement
of the traditional ruler of Awka kingdom, Obi (Dr) Gibson Nwosu, over series of alleged violation of the community’s constitution.

The council alleged that the dethroned monarch had on several occasions violated the Traditional Rulers Amended Constitution for Awka 1986; as well as Code of Conduct which he reportedly signed in January 1, 2000 after he was crowned.

At a press conference attended by the members of Awka Council of Kingmakers which was held at the Obu of the Chairman of Awka Council of Kingmakers in Umuogbu Awka, Ozo Obuora Essell, the council said the action took place on 14th April, 2017 in liaison with the Ndichie Awka.

In a press release containing 18 allegations levelled against him which was signed by the Secretary of the council, Ozo (Barr) Chief Emmanuel C.G. Okechukwu and its Chairman, Ozo Obuora Essell, it also announced the Head of Ozo Awka as the Regent in accordance with the 1986 constitution of Awka pending the election and installation of new Ezeuzu Awka.

The statement partly read: “Dr Gibson Nwosu was dethroned after he failed to come to defend himself from numerous acts of his violation of the Code of Conduct signed by him on January 1, 2000, after he was crowned.”

“Some of the allegations further violated the Traditional Rulers Amended Constitution for Awka Town 1986; and some of these vices are: Violating the grounds of his pardon by Awka People after he did “Osu na Nkiti for his previous transgressions.”

Reacting, the dethroned monarch, Dr Gibson Nwosu, at his palace dismissed the group, saying that they have no such powers to remove him. He said that the group were not the authentic kingmakers.

“They are not the kingmakers of Awka and have no powers to remove me. We have the authentic kingmakers” he said.

In their separate speeches, the factional President-General loyal to the embattled monarch, Engr. Tony Okechukwu, and the factional Prime Minister, Chief Benjamin Okoye said that the action of the group was laughable. The PG said that was the one empowered by the virtue of his office to appoint kingmakers.