The Natural Ruler of the ancient Akoh Kingdom, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, has received members of the Ekpeye Council of Eze Emenes (sub-clan heads) at his palace in Ihugbogo Town, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The delegation, led by Eze Michael Nnodi, paid the visit to the monarch to seek greater recognition for sub-clan traditional rulers within the Ekpeye traditional institution.
Speaking during the meeting, Ikegbidi, who is the Eze Igbu-Akoh II, described Ekpeye as an ethnic nation eager for development and progress, stressing that unity among traditional rulers and the people would help reposition the area.
According to him, collective effort by Ekpeye leaders would help restore the pride and identity of the ethnic nationality. “If all hands are on deck, we will have a place called Ekpeye again,” he said, urging traditional rulers to work together to promote peace and development in the land.
The monarch assured the visiting chiefs of his willingness to collaborate with them and promised to present their request to the Ekpeye supreme traditional authority for consideration to ensure their welfare and effective leadership.
Ikegbidi also commended the sub-clan heads for their efforts in maintaining peace across their respective communities. Earlier, Nnodi praised the Akoh monarch for his role in promoting unity among Ekpeye traditional rulers and for his commitment to preserving the culture and traditions of the people.
He, however, expressed concern that the position of sub-clan heads had been largely neglected and appealed for balanced recognition within the traditional council structure. Nnodi noted that the chieftaincy law in Rivers State allows government-recognised traditional rulers in each local government area to co-opt a minimum of nine members into their councils.
Other traditional rulers who spoke at the meeting included Eze John Chigbo, Eze David Chigemerem, Nye‑Udu J. O. Moses and Eze Maculey Esunwo. In a related development, the Akoh monarch also received Eze Ike Ehie, the Eze Igbu-Orlukwor II, on a separate royal visit to the palace.
Both traditional rulers exchanged goodwill messages during the meeting, which observers described as a reflection of the growing spirit of peaceful coexistence among traditional institutions in Ekpeye land.
