By Cajetan Mmuta
The people of Amanuke community in Awka North local government area of Anambra State on Thursday, erupted in celebration after police set free their monarch,’ Igwe Dennis Ezebuilo from custody.

Igwe Ezebuilo was arrested by police and taken to the force headquarters in Abuja over a chieftaincy tussle with his cousin, Igwe Alphonsus Ezebuilo.

He was remanded in police custody on July 14 on the order of a Federal High Court Awka presided over by Justice Hyeladzira Ajiya Nganjiwa.

He was arraigned on a three-count charge of alleged impersonation as the traditional ruler of Amanuke and incitement against his cousin, Igwe Alphonsus Ezebuilo who was certified and recognized by the state government.

Counsel to the defendant, Arthur Obi Okafor, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had applied for an application for his bail, arguing that it was the State High Court that has jurisdiction for the case as contains in Section 25 (1) of the constitution.

Justice Nganjiwa granted the monarch bail on self-recognition as the prosecuting Counsel, Mr. Stanley Nwodo, did not oppose the bail application.

The case was adjourned to October 13, 2021, for hearing.

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However, residents of the community erupted in jubilation over the bail granted Igwe Ezebuilo.

Former Deputy President General of Amanuke, Chief Augustine Ejiofor, in reaction appealed to Governor Willie Obiano to help restore peace to the community by withdrawing the certificate of recognition issued to Chief Alphonsus Ezebuilo and issue the same to Chief Dennis Ezebuilo.

According to a protest letter addressed to governor Obiano, and signed by Ichie Nweke Nwachukwu, Mrs. Victoria Ofuora, Bar Jonas Okoro, Emeka Udenze, and Chief Chukwuemeka Umeadi, the community stated that ‘Igwe’ Dennis was duly screened by an appropriate committee and later crowned by the oldest man in Amanuke in accordance to the constitution of the community.