His Royal Majesty, Eze William Ezugwu, is a top traditional ruler in Enugu state and the Igwe of Ibagwa Opi autonomous community and the Eze Ogbozarra III of the ancient Opi Kingdom. In this interview with EMEKA NZE, he speaks on the role of traditional institutions in governance and other issues.
Recently, you were elected as the Igwe of Ibagwa Opi Autonomous Community of Opi Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu state, how do you feel about it?
Well, I believe that there is time for everything. And for me, it’s time to be of better service to my people at the grassroots level, especially, when my people desired that I serve them as a traditional leader in another capacity. So, I feel very comfortable with the new development and I appreciate the government of Enugu state, the people of Ibagwa Opi Autonomous Community and the entire Ogbozarra people in the Opi Ancient Kingdom for their support and cooperation so far. As you may know, Ibagwa Opi Autonomous Community is just a part of my larger domain as the Eze Ogbozarra III (the monarch of Ogbozarra), the third in the lineage. My larger domain, Ogbozarra, is made up of two autonomous communities. For that reason, I have just come closer to the grassroots to serve my people as their native leader as the custodian of the customs and tradition of the people.
What is your position on constitutional role for traditional rulers?
The truth is that integrating the traditional institution into the state and national security and governance architecture will go a long way in bringing stability in government and assist in reducing criminality in our communities. Therefore, creating constitutional roles for traditional rulers as the custodians of the culture and traditions of the people nationwide is the way Nigeria must go. We have been running the affairs of the country without any clearly defined roles for traditional leaders in the constitution. The result is seen in the inability of the country to adequately manage the socioeconomic and security challenges we have today. These challenges have been on the increase. But our traditional rulers are the symbol of the best of our tradition and culture. They have been playing useful roles in mediating between the people and the state, enhancing national identity and resolving minor conflicts in their various communities. They were used by the colonial masters to preside over native courts, helped the colonial government in the area of tax assessment and collection and took active part in law making, among others. And, before the coming of the colonial masters who gradually gave a big blow to our traditional values, the traditional rulers served as link between the people and their ancestors, appointedsubordinate chiefs for native administrations, maintained law and order in their respective domains and ensured the preservation of native laws and customs. These precolonial roles of traditional rulers helped in reducing corruption, minimising criminality in the communities, and led to economic growth until the roles of the traditional rulers were eroded. If the traditional rulers are integrated into the governance system, many of the ills of the society and general lack of morals in the society today will be gradually corrected and Nigeria will be a better place for citizens and visitors to the country alike. We all know that if the security of lives and property and access to justice are improved upon, investors from all over the world will find Nigerian states as investment destinations. This is why I think that there has to be clear constitutional roles for traditional institutions in governance for a better society.
There is a new administration in Enugu state, how would you rate Governor Peter Mbah administration?
First of all, the new administration in Enugu state is still too young to really assess the government of Governor Peter Mbah but I can tell you one thing: the new administration has started with very hopeful signs and I don’t think the governor has goofed in any way. Moreover, having interacted with him, just few days after he assumed office as the executive governor, I saw in him a leader who is ready to carry everybody along just like the former governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi did in eight years in office. Thus far, I can say that Governor Peter Mbah has started well.
You earlier mentioned the immediate past governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. Some people have been saying that he has gone into hiding since he left office, what is your reaction to that?
We all know that even when the former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was in office, he was not into noise-making, he has been a quiet achiever all his life. So, it is not a surprise that those who don’t understand his lifestyle will come up with the rumour that he has gone into hiding. I see it as mere blackmail. What will he be hiding from, after a meritorious service to the people? He laid a solid foundation and he has a worthy successor. Maybe they thought that he will assume the role of a godfather and start directing the new governor on what to do and what not to do. Well, we all know that there is no godfatherism in Enugu state politics. The people follow their convictions and vote into office whoever they desire to vote for. Former Governor Ugwuanyi is a very articulate politician and technocrat that Nigeria still needs in higher capacity.
