Okorocha Bars Imo Monarchs From Speaking English

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BY RAPHAEL ONYEKACHUKWU, OWERRI – Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has barred traditional rulers in the state from speaking English language at functions and conducting affairs at their palaces.

The governor, who said the Igbo language should not be allowed to go extinct, gave this directive   while handing over letters of recognition and staff of office to 19 newly recognized traditional rulers in the state on Monday night said they could as well employ the services of interpreters if the need arises. He said the Igbo language must not be allowed to die as being predicted in some quarters.

Okorocha advised the monarchs to be agents of pebvhace, progress, and prosperity in their respective domains, instead of being tools of disunity and destabilization, just as he warned that any traditional ruler who does not provide genuine leadership in his autonomous community stands the risk of being dethroned.

According to Governor Okorocha, “Today, history is made that light has come and darkness would not comprehend at all. The truth has surfaced and the right people have finally become the custodians of the traditional rights of their people. You are not permitted to speak English at functions. This will help keep our culture and Igbo language alive.

“For many years now, most of you have been looking for a day like this. Some of you were victims of injustice and never believed that this could be possible and most of you have been waiting without knowing your fate. But today, it is a manifest of truth that your people have chosen you, and the government of Imo State has approved.

“I took the bold step of reconciling people, took the step to ensure that truth came to be and voided the rancour that has existed in our various communities over Ezeship title. This has equally affected the Community Government Council (CGC) negatively because every community requires an Eze to function effectively as the head of the Community Government Council. Today, that responsibility has fallen on you, I urge you not to fail as failure is not an option. I encourage you to help the government in developing the resources of our land as posterity will only remember you for your positive contributions in the development of your community and not in how much wealth you amassed as an eze”.

In his vote of thanks, Eze Lucky Ajoku of Ihiagwa Autonomous Community, described the governor as an apostle of good conscience and equity and promised that they would embrace peace and help the government attain the lofty ideals of genuine leadership in their various communities.

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