Traditional rulers who are not from Owerri Municipal (Owerre Nchi Ise) have been forbidden from blessing kola nut in public functions and engagements in Owerri.

The Chief Priest of Owerri, popularly known as ‘Onye Isi Ala Owerre’, Reginald Ejiogu, who gave the warning, said it will amount to sacrilege for a traditional ruler who is not from Owerre Nchi Ise, regardless of his position in the Imo State Council of Traditional rulers, to bless kola nut in his presence. “The culture and territory of Owerri Nchi Ise should be respected,” he said.

“No man, no matter his position in Imo State Ezeship Council, should ever bless kola nut in Owerre Nchi Ise again in the presence of Onye Isi Ala Owerre (Owerri Chief Priest) and before the Owerre monarchs, every Owerri person should take note of this. This insult must stop,” he stated.

“It would be an embarrassment for anybody that tries it in my territory,” Ejiogu said.

The blessing of kola nut has been part of the culture of the people of the South East to commence local ceremonies.

The ban will also forbid the state chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, who is from Orl,  from blessing kola nut in Owerri territory.

Source: Sun