The traditional ruler of Umunya Community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Chris Onyekwuluje, is feared dead at the age of 61.
This came as a shock following his vows to rule the Umunya community for 120 years.
The president general of the community, Chief Innocent Nwabueze (Oyi of Oyi), who confirmed the monarch’s death, described the death as unfortunate to the entire Anambra State.
Our correspondent gathered, that the monarch, who was coronated 25 years ago, died in Abuja two days ago after a long battle with cancer-related issues.
He said, “We have to face the reality of life, it’s one of those things. Our monarch has travelled and when he’s coming back we don’t know, but it’s a very sad situation for the Umunya Community” ” he noted.
Another source, who did not want to be mentioned, said, “Though he did most things wrongly in our community, his death is not a social media thing. Umunya has a procedure of announcing the death of its traditional ruler.” he said.
Igwe Chis was, loud during the administration of the late former Governor of Anambra state, Chinwoke Mbadinuju.
He was the contractor that erected the mast at the premises of Anambra Broadcasting Corporation ABS that killed some number of people in Anambra State then.
Recently in his community, he was said to have told his people that he would rule them for up to 120 years, a statement that angered some of the elders.
Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne also confirmed the ruler’s demise, describing it as a huge loss.
The commissioner, commiserated with the people of Umunya over the incident, praying for his soul to find eternal rest in God.
The Eze-Nya I, it was gathered, had proposed a Town Union election of his community for December 31.
According to sources, the monarch’s demise might result to a shift of the poll date by the community, as a mark of honour to him.
The late monarch, survived an assassination attempt in 2015 when the men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) foiled such an attempt by some evil men.
The most controversial moment was when he erected a slaughterhouse in his community at the back of the house of one influential sons of the area.
