By Steve Oko

A hearing and speech-impaired person, HRH Eze Anthony Anyiam Ohaeri, 64, was Saturday, coronated the traditional ruler of Umuawa Alaocha Autonomous Community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

The coronation which attracted dignitaries from across the state, marked the first time, a Person With Disability, PWD, would be crowned monarch in the state.

He is the eldest son from a polygamous royal family with 14 male siblings and sisters.

The new monarch, according to multiple community sources, was unanimously endorsed to succeed his late father, HRH Eze G. U Ohaeri, being the eldest son.

The United States, US-trained Computer Specialist and father of four, intermittently shed tears of joy as the glamourous coronation which took place at Umuawa Alaocha community school lasted.

Speaking through an interpreter, the monarch said he was overwhelmed with joy over the honour done him by his people, and promised not to fail them.

“I have always looked forward to this moment with anticipation and enthusiasm because it has set the stage for a transformative era in the community’s history and indeed the state and the nation at large.

“I am awed and humbled by the trust and confidence placed in me by my people, and I assure the good people of Umuawa Alaocha Autonomous Community that I would faithfully and diligently discharge my duties.”

“This is the first time in the history of this community, state and nation that a hearing impaired (deaf) person has been made a traditional ruler. Also, I would like to add that even in the bible, no hearing impaired person became king, this is a first of its kind.”

He promised to embark on community development programme that would help improve the living standard of the agrarian community.

“As traditional ruler, I will adopt an inclusive leadership style to give everyone a sense of belonging and foster the socioeconomic development of the community.”

“I am an enthusiast of building progressive communities and systems that would stimulate rural economy, this is because I believe when there is prosperity in the rural communities it positively impacts on the socioeconomic growth of the state and makes the job of the state government easier.

“As l take up the mantle of leadership entrusted upon me by the people of Umuawa Alaocha Autonomous Community I am conscious of the enormous responsibility that comes with it and I assure you that I will live up to expectation.

He thanked Gov. Alex Otti for his supports , and appealed to him to reconstruct the Umuawa Alaocha

Road and other internal roads in the community to boost economic activities in the area and improve the welfare of the people.

In a remark, the Special Assistant to the Governor on PWDs, Hon. David Anyaele, thanked the people of Umuawa Alaocha community for not denying the monarch his traditional right of succeeding his late father on the throne because of his hearing and speech impairment.

Hon. Anyaele who said that “there is special ability in disability”, expressed confidence in the ability of the Eze Ohaeri to deliver.

He solicited the continued support of the people for their new monarch, and the State Government, assuring that Gov. Otti has beautiful intentions for PWDs in his administration.

In a remark, the Chairman of Umuahia North Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Innocent Nwaigwe, said that the new monarch “is competent and mentally sound to deliver”, assuring him the full support and cooperation of other royal fathers in the Council.

He also commended the community for not shortchanging the Ohaeri of his entitlement because of his challenge.

The eldest sister of the monarch, Dr Roseline Anyiam Anuchie, said she was so excited that his younger brother had ascended the throne of their father.

She said her brother’s impairment would not in any way, affect his competence, arguing that ” God created us all equal”.

The US based princess, said her brother “has a special skill and training”, revealing that he had worked and retired in the US but would now focus on community development.

” He worked and retired in the US, and can now face the needs and challenges of the community”.

In a remark, the Abia State Chairman of PWDs, Mr Wisdom Okechukwu, thanked the community for not discriminating against Ohaeri because of his disability.

He said that the action had greatly encouraged the disability community in the state to aspire for any position.

In an interview, one of his subjects and former Director of Sports, Abia State, Mr Ejikeme Ikwunze popularly known as Mr Football, said the new monarch has good reputation, and would bring tremendous transformation in the community.

Mr Football said the speech and hearing impairment of the monarch would not be any impediment to his efficiency, arguing that former US President, Franklin Roosevelt, was on a wheelchair but made remarkable achievements.

He added that the monarch has an interpreter, and has been interacting with people all the while.

Speaking also, the Traditional Ruler of Hausa Community in Abia State, HRH Alhaji Eze Yaro Danladi, who said he came to solidarise with the new monarch, expressed confidence that he would deliver.

Similarly, the former Chairman of Umuahia North Council of Ndieze, HRH Eze Philip Ajomuiwe, who noted that Ohaeri’s late father was his personal friend, expressed faith he would continue the good legacies of his late father.

The Uncle of the new king, Elder Augustine Ohaeri, said the coronation had the endorsement of the entire royal family as Ohaeri was their concensus candidate for the throne.

Chieftaincy awards was awarded to many deserving personalities including PWDs.