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Ohafia Monarchs Reject ‘UDUMEZE OF OHAFIA’ Title, Insist It’s Unrecognized, Misleading

The Ohafia Traditional Rulers Council has publicly denounced the use of the title “Udumeze of Ohafia,” describing it as misleading, historically inaccurate, and legally unrecognized by the Abia State Government.

In a press statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Council, HRH Eze U.K. Ukoha (JP), and the Secretary, HRH Eze Elder Dr. Ezera U. Ezera (JP) and made available to ABN TV, the royal fathers warned against ongoing attempts to promote the appellation “Udumeze of Ohafia” as an official or traditional title.

 

According to the Council, Ohafia is a federation of 26 independent villages, each with its own traditional head (Ezie Ogo), and not a monarchy governed by a singular paramount ruler. “Ohafia has never contemplated or practiced the idea of a single paramount ruler. Such a structure is alien to our tradition and history,” the statement read.

 

They emphasized that the only recognized autonomous communities in Ohafia are the 15 established by law, with their respective traditional rulers. The council clarified that the title “Udumeze” is exclusive to Isiama Ohafia Autonomous Community — comprising Elu and Amaekpu — and not the entire Ohafia clan.

 

The release also recounted past attempts to wrongly elevate certain individuals to the status of a general Ohafia monarch, including the case of the late Prof. E.U.L. Imaga, who was cautioned by the Abia State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for being referred to as “Udumeze of Ohafia.” His official certificate of recognition confirmed him only as the traditional ruler of Isiama Ohafia.

 

The council stated that the emergence of the title “Udumeze of Ohafia” was a political creation of the 1950s during efforts to secure representation in the Eastern House of Chiefs and should not be misconstrued as a historical or cultural institution.

 

“It is not possible to have independent communities and yet have one paramount ruler for all of them,” the statement added.

 

The traditional rulers concluded by calling on the public, particularly the people of Ohafia, to disregard any claims to the non-existent title and to remain guided by the established cultural and legal structures of leadership.

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