Samuel Udeh congratulates new Och’Ichama, Chief Emmanuel Owouno

His Royal Highness Emmanuel Oko Owouno has emerged as the new traditional ruler of Ichama community in Okpokwu LGA of Benue State.

Chief Owouno emerged winner in a keenly contested election that took place in the community last weekend.

Reacting to the development, Ireland-based community builder and philanthropist, Samuel Uwakwe Udeh, called on other contestants to work with the new royal father to take Ichama to the Promised Land.

His statement reads in full.

The face of the newly elected Och’Ichama His Royal Highness Emmanuel Oko Owouno

I extend my sincere congratulations on your election as Och’Ichama and wish you every success in performing the important and responsible duties of this position.

You must be highly content with this post as you have undoubtedly worked very hard to achieve this position. Your commitment and dedication has helped you attain this post. You will be able to put many things back on track now which have long been haywire. The first one is to rebuilding Ai-Ona family union. I am sure that now all the security, land, Fulani herdsmen, any many other issues affecting Ichama community will be resolved.
As you embark upon your new responsibilities, I wish to assure you of my continued support and friendship. I look forward to working with you not only to develop closer relations between our families but also to concert our efforts in the cause of Ai-Ona peace and the brotherhood of all Ichama peoples.

I also wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the entire Ichama indigen and Ai-ona clan in particular for the successful conclusion of Och’Ichama replacement this afternoon. I particularly thank Ai-okpe, Ai-ebega Ai-ohebe, Ai-agbo clans, Air Vice Marshals Emmanuel Ejeh, Chief Godwine Ochube and many individuals who played a crucial role by make sure people’s wishes was not turned down. Your support to Ai-ona during the difficult years is highly appreciated. Now that Chief Owouno has been elected as Och’Ichama to replac chief John O. Ali (Ada’Enone) I have no doubt, he will rule with love and fear.

We have come a long way since the process began in 2012 but today, the people of Ichama have spoken and we accept this outcome in good faith.

To Mr Michael Onah, I congratulation you for the brave campaign you run. I know this is not the outcome you wanted or worked so hard for, and I’m sorry that you did not win this election for the values you share and the vision you hold for our community. Please accept this result and look toward the future.

In this election, there is no winner or loser in the really sense because we are one families. It was two brother fight. I can assure you, the difference between the two of you will be settles.

Today, Ai-ona has been finally set free from the hand of his enemies. Those who said over their deadbody to see peace and unity in Ai-ona has not only failed but have been put to shame. Today, babylon has finally fall and a new Ai-ona has begins. The two recent events in Ai-ona family (Councillor and Och’Ichama) showed that Ai-ona belongs to no one but for all of us. I salute those of you who stood up to said no to what I called impunity of the highest order. The oppression from the few individuals further strengthen our resolved to do what right.
We will continue to do what we are doing until Ichama and beyond is set free.
This would serve as a less for these individuals and I advice them to accept the will of the people henceforth.

Peace and order is vital for any economic activity to take place in a locality and in the country as a whole; therefore, as community we relies on our traditional rulers to keep the peace in their domains.

For instance, in any area, people know themselves and they could fish out any criminal in their midst easily and hand over the culprit to the palace or the police for prosecution and punishment.

The role of traditional rulers in achieving stable community and democracy is crucial for the peace and progress of the community therefore, we hope to see new Ichama under your rulership where everyone is treated equally regardless of the clan.

Development and democracy can only thrive when you nurture and sustain its foundation, which is the development of infrastructure and economic wellbeing of the community and the nation. In view of traditional rulers’ value to the peace and progress of the locality, it is our hope, government should preserve traditional institutions henceforth.

May I again offer my congratulations on your victory in the Och’Ichama election. I would like to take the opportunity to send my best wishes for the continued happiness and prosperity of our community and its people.

Long live Ai-Ona family!
Long live Ichama community !!
Long live Okpokwu Local government !!!

Samuel U.O. Udeh