Chief Samuel Opuh has been elected the new traditional ruler of the Oshiri community in Onicha local government area, Ebonyi State.
The election was keenly contested in the community by 8 persons.
Opuh polled a total of 10 votes to emerge victorious while his closest rival, Njoku Harrison scored 9 votes.
Obasi Nweze got 7 votes while Ifeanyi Nwagu scored 6 votes. Pius Okoro got 1 vote while three other aspirants didn’t get any votes.
There have been attempts to get a new traditional ruler by the community which proved abortive until the last effort that paid off following the death of the traditional ruler of the community, J.U.O Nwogo four years ago.
In his speech, Opuh said he has a points agenda for the community which centres on empowerment, restoration of moral values, peace, and even development and linkages.
“What is happening today in our society is very bad. Our youths are driven from obligations to evil vices and this is what I plan to pay serious attention to. Peace and even development are also my priority.
“As a traditional ruler, if you don’t link up with your neighbouring communities, you don’t link up with the state, you don’t link up at the national level, there is nothing you can do for your community,” he stated.
He called on his rivals to join hands with him to develop the community, adding that he had served the community in many capacities which made him to be elected the traditional ruler.
Some stakeholders of the community including Chief Odefa Obasi and Agu Opuh the Coordinator of the Oshiri development centre hailed the emergence of the traditional ruler.
They urged him to rule like King Solomon in the scripture and be fair to all.