By Roland Ike
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has said that his father married 30 wives to have a large household and for his children not to suffer the deprivation he suffered.
Nwifuru disclosed this on Saturday at his hometown Oferekpe Agbaja in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi during the coronation of his father, HRH Ezekiel Nwifuru as the community ‘s traditional ruler.
The governor said that his father suffered severely in the hands of the villagers with most of his properties destroyed or confiscated.
“The only crime my father committed was that he was a rich farmer who succeeded with God’s grace and a dint of hard work.
“The villagers argued why he should be the one to be successful and this made him marry 30 wives but about 19 are remaining with him.”
Nwifuru noted that his father didn’t train any of his numerous children in school because he believed that they would be indebted to others having been trained with his wealth.
“He however encouraged us to be serious with farming in order to fund our education and by God ‘s grace, the family has 21 graduates.
“I however advise him to be fair in overseeing the people’s affairs and not to avenge the humiliation suffered in the hands of the people.
“You should be generous and ensure that peace and unity reign in the community.
The governor presented a certificate and staff of office to the new Eze Chinyereugo 1 , in accordance with the Ebonyi State Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Law. Cap 146.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Godwin Ogbaga described the installation of Nwifuru’s father as commendable due to his contributions to the area’s development.
Ogbaga, former Minister of State for Power said that Gov Nwifuru should be commended for signing into law the document creating autonomous communities as demanded by the people.
“The governor took necessary steps that made communities select qualified persons as their traditional rulers.
“The new monarch has great experience of the traditional institution and is a man of honour and integrity,” he said.
Former Governor Martin Elechi congratulated the new traditional ruler and urged him to rule with the fear of God.
“The people should be moderate in their expectations and not put the traditional ruler under undue pressure.
“My people wanted me to be their traditional ruler 48 years ago but I could only laugh,” be said.
HRH Nwifuru, thanked all those who made the installation possible and pledged to unite the people for the desired progress in the community.
“May the good that came my way also come the way of others and I pray that God blesses the land and entire state.
Goodwill messages were delivered at the occasion by top government functionaries and other prominent citizens of the state.
