Tension in Jos over Igbo leader’s installation

A cold war is developing between the Plateau State Government and the Igbo community in Jos over Saturday’s (tomorrow) planned inauguration of Prof. Jerome Obilom as the second Eze Igbo of Jos.

Obilom succeeded Chief Joseph Ejimbe, who died two years ago.

Our correspondent gathered that Governor Jonah Jang had ordered that the ceremony, which would be chaired by the former Anambra State Governor, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, be put on hold, citing security concerns.

The governor was said to have relayed the message to the community though the new Special Adviser on Igbo Affairs, Mr. Akuzamus Anakwe.

Sources within the community told our correspondent that the security reasons given by the state government could be a cover.

It will be recalled that last year when a delegation of Igbo leaders from the 19 northern  states visited the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Gyang Buba, he had told them that he was instructed by the Council of Ndi Eze in the South East that nobody should be installed as Igbo King anywhere in the country, rather they should be referred as ‘Onye ndu Ndigbo’ (leader of the Igbo).

Chairman of the coronation committee, Mr. Elvis Chukwu, told our correspondent on Thursday in Jos that efforts were  on to resolve the issue with the state government.

He said, “I don’t think there is much problem. Any community may choose any person as its leader and any name it wants. It does not confront with the traditional institution of their host anywhere, rather it is complementary.”

Secretary to Plateau State Government, Prof. Shedrack Best, told our correspondent in a text message that the government was not trying to stop the event, but to draw the attention of the community to the security implication of holding the event at this time  in the state.