The Traditional Ruler of Azumini Ndoki Ancient Kingdom in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, HRM Eze Edward Eule (Onyenweali X), has said he did not abandon his subjects or throne as speculated.
This followed his temporary absence from the community and the arrest of six suspects in connection with the theft of the community’s electricity transformer, which plunged the area into darkness.
The monarch, a Professor of Sociology who retired from Norfolk State University, Virginia, USA, where he lectured for over 30 years before ascending the throne in 2015, said he has neither abdicated nor neglected his royal responsibilities.
He explained that his trip to the United States was to attend to personal and professional matters, adding that he will soon return to Nigeria.
“I travelled to the United States of America in May 2025 to attend to some professional and personal matters. I am robustly healthy and fine, and I may soon conclude the task of my sojourn here,” he said.
The traditional ruler accused individuals he described as “mischief-makers operating under the guise of an Interim Ruling Council” of peddling falsehoods and propaganda about his alleged abdication.
In a statement personally signed by him, the monarch declared that there is no vacancy on the Azumini throne, stressing that his reign remains valid.
“I will cease to be the Eze only when I join my ancestors and the ‘Ofo’ is passed on to my successor,” he stated.
