By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
Ambassador Prince (Dr.) Emeka Egwuekwe, Chairman of Enugwu-Agidi Stakeholders Forum (ESF) and Ezumezu Umunri Worldwide, has tendered an unreserved apology to the Traditional Institution of Enugwu-Agidi, led by Igwe Michael Chidozie Okekeuche (Okpalariam III), over a press statement attributed to the Secretary of ESF, which was deemed disrespectful to the throne.
In a statement he signed today and made available to media houses, Egwuekwe expressed profound pain and concern over the statement issued by the Palace, acknowledging that as Chairman of ESF, he bears ultimate responsibility for the publication and accepting the blame for the lapse in oversight. He assured that the disrespect shown to the throne was unintentional and unacceptable, and has taken steps to address the issue internally to prevent future occurrences.
Egwuekwe reaffirmed his solidarity with the throne of Okpalariam, stating that his commitment to the traditional institution is absolute and unwavering. He emphasized that ESF is a neutral platform created to promote understanding, reconcile differences, and support lawful authority, and not an opposition body.
The Ambassador also denied allegations of manipulation and self-serving interests, describing them as false and malicious. He reiterated his commitment to promoting peace, unity, and collective progress in Enugwu-Agidi, and called on stakeholders to eschew manipulation and work towards unity and progress.
Egwuekwe’s apology and clarification come after the Palace statement called for respect, decorum, and maturity in community communications, and admonished ESF for the disrespectful publication.
