IGWE RALPH EKPEH, EZE ENUGWU-UKWU NA UMUNRI; ARE YOU GOD?
I have observed keenly what is happening between Igwe Ralph Ekpeh, Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri in Anambra State and his brother, over the decision to bury late Mr. Obiora within the family compound. I am still yet to understand why a man of high traditional order like Igwe should descend so low to birth havoc within the community. Let me remind HRM that while he is away in far United State of America, he has been found wanting in reconciling a little issue in his own kindred.

The bone of contention is that Igwe Ralph has refused the family of late Obiora Ekpeh to bury their ward (Obiora) within the family compound. The compound in question belongs to the family of Ekpeh, but the father of late Obiora was the eldest brother to Igwe Ralph; according to Igbo custom the compound belongs to the first son, which is Obiora’s father, and since the father is late, the compound belongs to Obiora, being the first son. However, Igwe Ralph has been making moves recently to prevent late Mr. Obiora from being buried in his own land, insisting that Obiora should be buried outside the compound.

Igwe Ralph is contesting over a little piece of land, (which is not rightfully his) amidst the numerous landed properties he has within the community and beyond the State. The act appears barbaric, ruthless and degrading, I am still yet to understand why an Igwe, who is meant to uphold truth and stability within the community is breeding serious havoc from a trifle matter. Suffice to note is the fact that Igwe Ralph has not entered the said compound for over 40 years. After the normal sharing of family land, he went to his portion and built a mansion, he has been living there for over 40 years. Suddenly, after the death of Obiora, he reappears to take control of the land, insisting that late Obiora should be buried outside the compound without offering a cogent reason. God bless some of you kinsmen, who have issued a letter indicating that late Mr. Obiora should be buried inside the family compound, but you still remain adamant to their decision, perhaps, as you have quite noted “I am the traditional ruler and my decision stands”

What a shameful act, an inhumane disposition, a tyrannical mentality! I know of wealthy men that built mansions for the extended family members, but yours is to take away the little late Mr. Obiora’s family have…. Igwe Ralph, fear God and do the right thing… you have employed different measures to even hinder the burial on Friday, but we are watching, the world is watching you too…

r231, Help push to FP. People need to advise Igwe to avoid family clash. I believe some well meaning Enugwu-Ukwu indigene are here. Thanks.