Erosion Gully Destroys Part of Ebem Ohafia Monarch’s Palace, Threatens Lives and Properties
A Royal Palace at Risk
A deepening erosion gully has partially destroyed the palace of the paramount ruler of the Ebem Ohafia ancient kingdom in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha. The natural disaster now threatens the monarch’s safety, his family, and the wider Ekeleugo Ebem autonomous community.
The gully, which started as a minor crack a few years ago, has grown in width and depth, cutting through parts of the community and damaging buildings, economic trees, and farmland. Locals live in fear, especially as the rainy season intensifies the situation.
Community Appeals for Help
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, the Publicity Secretary of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union, Ifeanyi Okali, described the erosion as an existential threat.
“Our traditional ruler’s life is in danger. People’s homes are caving in. The entire community faces extinction if nothing is done,” Okali warned.
He added that despite various attempts by age grades and the community union to control the erosion, the situation has spiraled beyond communal efforts.
“I had raised an SOS appeal to both the Federal and State governments, warning about the severe threat erosion poses to our land,” he said.
“Today, it became painfully clear that if urgent steps are not taken, Ebem Ohafia risks being wiped off not just from Google maps, but also from the map of Abia state.”
Okali urged President Bola Tinubu, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and Rep. Ibe Okwara Osonwa (representing Arochukwu/Ohafia) to act swiftly and decisively before more damage is done.
GODA Steps In
In a glimmer of hope, Okali disclosed that the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), an agency established by Governor Alex Otti, has pledged to begin palliative works in the affected areas. He said the Director-General of GODA, Obinna Odum, visited the damaged sites, including the monarch’s palace, shortly after his renewed call for help.
The monarch, Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, was said to be “relieved and appreciative” of the government’s promise to intervene.
