Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru is facing significant backlash following his recent decision to establish a new kingdom within the state and appoint his father as the traditional ruler.
Journalist101 had reported that the people of Oferekpe Agbaja Autonomous Community crowned Chief Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwankpu as their traditional ruler on Saturday.
Eze Nwankpu, a farmer from Ebonyi married 19 wives, of whom 17 currently reside with him, and they have a total of 108 children together.
Among those children is Chief Francis Nwifuru, the current Governor of Ebonyi State.
Eze Nwifuru will oversee the Oferekpe Agbaja Autonomous Community, which comprises 17 villages.
However, this controversial move has sparked a heated debate among social media users, many of whom are labeling it a blatant abuse of office.
Critics argue that such actions undermine the principles of governance and raise concerns about nepotism and accountability in leadership. The establishment of a new kingdom, especially when it involves the governor’s own family, has prompted calls for greater transparency and adherence to traditional governance structures.
On X (formally Twitter) a user @Peddykal said; “If the Father has any dignity left in him, he could have rejected the offer, but like father like son.”
Another user @chantelmome said: “Before now the lines were blurry, now they have been removed by our politicians. Shame to all involved.”
@Igwehjonah said: “The state capture has started. And he is now a prince too. Smh
@humble_PeterObi said: “What! The governor created autonomous community and made his father the king. Haba! When did a political leader (governor) become the kingmaker?”
@Oswvldo_onielll said “This picture too wild, just take a look at the facial expressions of the people in the background, you just know it’s a fraudulent installment 😂😂😂”
@IchieOnodugo said: “This particular man does not know why he was made Governor.”
@Winter_Six said: “The height of African provincial level leadership abilities, ladies and gentlemen, and the purpose for which they run for office. We’re so cooked.”
Anybody who is Critised the governor he is not fair and he is injustice and selfish. This is Golden opportunity as a governor to create such kingdom even with the large numbers of their families. Nineteen wives one hundred and eight children is not easy