OWERRI —A leadership disagreement has reportedly emerged within the traditional palace of Nekede Ancient Kingdom in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State following the death of the monarch, His Royal Highness, Eze Dr. Stephen Agumanu.
9News Nigeria gathered that the late monarch’s burial has been officially scheduled for October 30, 2026, in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Nekede Ancient Kingdom.
Sources close to the palace disclosed that tension arose over the composition and leadership structure of the burial planning committee, particularly concerning the role of the palace secretary in the arrangements.
According to findings, some members of the late monarch’s cabinet allegedly opposed the inclusion of the palace secretary as a signatory to the bank account designated for the burial activities. The development reportedly generated concerns among stakeholders within the traditional institution.
It was further gathered that the burial planning committee appointed a separate secretary for the committee, a move some palace stakeholders interpreted as sidelining the existing palace secretary.
The disagreement has since attracted the attention of notable traditional leaders and community stakeholders, many of whom argued that the palace secretary, by virtue of his office, should ordinarily play a central role in the burial planning process, including participation in financial and administrative decisions related to the funeral arrangements.
However, sources indicated that members of the committee were expected to reconvene to address the concerns and ensure a more balanced representation within the burial committee structure.
Late Eze Dr. Stephen Agumanu, regarded as the 4th Ede the 2nd traditional ruler of Nekede Ancient Kingdom, was widely respected for his administrative contributions and humanitarian disposition. His passing came as a shock to members of his immediate family, the Nekede community, the Ochie Clan, and residents of Owerri West.
The burial ceremony is expected to hold in line with the traditions of Nekede Ancient Kingdom and in observance of protocols associated with the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers because of his robustness in the traditional council of the state.
Meanwhile, the President-General of the community and some cabinet members who spoke with 9News Nigeria stated that efforts were ongoing to resolve the issues amicably.
Community leaders also appealed to residents and stakeholders to remain peaceful and united during the mourning period ahead of the monarch’s final rites.
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