The traditional ruler of Umunya in the Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra state, Igwe Kris Onyekwuluje, has threatened a legal action against some of his subjects, alleging they were after his life.
Onyekwuluje, while addressing a press conference in his palace in Umunya, on Wednesday, alleged that his traducers were mostly from the Odumodu quarter of the community.
Some natives of Odumodu including women had on Monday protested at the Government House, Awka, over what they termed land grabbing, intimidation and indiscriminate arrest by the monarch.
The protesters had among other things implored the state governor, Willie Obiano, to intervene in the matter to stop the monarch from further harassing them.
The monarch, while stressing that he would take legal action against the protesters, said, “I’m not a land grabber. I’m a successful business with offices in Lagos, Abuja and Anambra State.
“It is not true that I sold their lands. I never did nor got involved. Those, who are saying this are part of those who have been threatening to kill me since 2012 for no reason than jealousy. They went and registered a group called ‘Odumodu Ebenabo Improvement Union’, and were selling the properties and lands of Odumedu people.
“On hearing their illegal activities, I stopped them. I have never arrested, or asked the police to do so on my behalf. They are the ones who are petitioning against the people they think they can oppress. Mine is just to broker peace amongst them.
“Those who are saying that I arrested them are liars. Some people were arrested by the vigilantes for robbery and were handed to the police. Why should I arrest or detain my subjects? I have forgiven them several times, but this time they will not go unpunished. My lawyers will soon commence legal action against them.”
On his part, the President General of Umunya Development Union, Engr. Kenneth Okafor, said the community would back the ruler in the legal action against his alleged defamers.
