The Traditional Ruler of Azumini Ndoki Ancient Kingdom in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, His Royal Majesty Eze Edward Eule (Onyenweali X), has dismissed rumours suggesting that he abandoned his throne or abdicated his royal responsibilities.
The monarch issued the clarification amid speculations arising from his temporary absence from the community and the recent arrest of six suspects linked to the theft of the community’s electricity transformer, an incident that plunged parts of Azumini into darkness.
In a personally signed statement, Eze Eule described the claims as unfounded and misleading, explaining that his absence was due to professional and personal engagements in the United States.
“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,” the monarch stated.
Eze Eule, a Professor of Sociology and retired lecturer at Norfolk State University, Virginia, where he served for over three decades before ascending the throne in 2015, stressed that he remains fully committed to his traditional duties.
He accused what he described as “mischief-makers operating under the guise of an Interim Ruling Council” of deliberately spreading false information to destabilise the kingdom and undermine his authority.
“There is no vacancy on the Azumini throne,” he declared.
“I will cease to be the Eze only when I join my ancestors and the ‘Ofo’ is passed on to my successor.”
The monarch said the rumours were an attempt to exploit the recent transformer theft to create tension within the community, assuring his subjects that he remains the rightful ruler of Azumini Ndoki.
He further reassured the people of his unwavering commitment to their welfare and development, adding that he would return to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in the United States.