Anambra community excited as ‘monarch’ gets bail…

Indigenes of Amanuke Community, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, took to the streets yesterday to celebrate their acclaimed traditional ruler, Chief Dennis Ezebuilo, who was granted bail.

Ezebuilo, one of the claimants to the traditional stool, was remanded on June 15 for refusing to appear before the court, in the case between him and Inspector General of Police (IG), bordering on the kingship tussle since 2022.

But Justice Charles Okaa granted the Abuja-based businessman bail of N10 million with two sureties, one a civil servant between grade level 14 to 16, and the other a resident of Awka with landed property, proven evidence of ownership, and three years tax clearance.

The case was adjourned till July 14 for commencement of trial.

The locals stormed the court premises in about five buses and erupted in victorious songs after Ezebuilo was granted bail.

Speaking to reporters, 78-year-old Mayor Amanuke maintained that Ezebuilo remained the only recognised traditional ruler.

“The entire Amanuke elected and crowned Chief Denis Ezebuilo their king. We don’t know any other person as king. We’re happy that the man we chose as our king has been granted bail and we are solidly behind him,” he said.

Another septuagenarian, Chief Levi Anataba, expressed joy over the bail, insisting they would not accept the imposition of another monarch.

“We elected and crowned Ezebuilo our monarch before those who claimed to be powerful and wise changed the decision because they are in government. They are working against the interest of the community, and we cannot accept their imposition. We love Denis Ezebuilo and he is our king, not the one those in government gave certificate to” he said.

The community’s woman leader, Mrs. Ikejina Joy, described Ezebuilo as the man of the people and chosen one for the throne.

Ezebuilo’s lawyer, Kenneth Onyekachi, described the bail condition as stringent, but said it would be fulfilled before the end of day.