‘I Did Not Abandon My Throne’ — Abia Monarch Breaks Silence on US Trip as Police Arrest Six Over Stolen Transformer

The traditional ruler of Azumini Ndoki Ancient Kingdom in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, HRM Eze Edward Eule (Onyenweali X), has firmly denied claims that he abandoned his throne, insisting that his current stay in the United States is strictly for professional and personal reasons.

The monarch’s clarification comes amid growing tension in the community, following allegations by some residents that his prolonged absence amounted to abdication, and the arrest of six suspects over the theft of the community’s electricity transformer.

‘No vacancy on the throne’

Eze Eule, a Professor of Sociology who retired from Norfolk State University, Virginia, after more than three decades of teaching, said reports suggesting he had neglected his royal duties were false and misleading.

Speaking from the United States, the monarch explained that he travelled in May 2025 to attend to pressing personal and professional engagements, adding that he remains healthy and will return to Nigeria soon.

“I travelled to the United States of America in May 2025 to attend to some professional and personal matters. I am robustly healthy and fine, and I may soon conclude the task of my sojourn here,” he said.

The traditional ruler, who ascended the throne in 2015, dismissed rumours of abdication, stressing that there is no vacancy on the Azumini throne.

“I will cease to be the Eze only when I join my ancestors and the ‘Ofo’ is passed on to my successor,” he declared.

Allegations of misinformation

In a statement personally signed by him, Eze Eule accused what he described as “mischief-makers operating under the guise of an Interim Ruling Council” of spreading falsehoods and propaganda to destabilise the kingdom.

He maintained that his reign remains legitimate and intact, warning against attempts to create confusion within the traditional institution.

Police arrest six over stolen transformer

Meanwhile, the Abia State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with the alleged theft of the community’s electricity transformer, an incident that plunged Azumini Ndoki into darkness.

Police sources confirmed that investigations are ongoing, as residents express concern over the impact of the power outage on businesses and daily life in the community.

The development has further heightened tensions, with local leaders calling for calm while security agencies continue their probe.