A first class traditional ruler in Abia State, Eze Gaius Ihejiamaizu, has joined his ancestors.

Transport & Business Express learnt that Eze Ihejiamaizu, the traditional ruler of Mbutu Ukwu Ancient Kingdom in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, slumped and died Wednesday. The cause of his death was yet to be ascertained as at press time.

Sources close to the flamboyant monarch told Transport & Business Express that Eze Ihejiamaizu had a week ago slumped at his Miracle Lodge Palace and was revived before presiding over a meeting of Ngwa Traditional Rulers Supreme Council, the apex body for all royal fathers in Ngwa land, of which he was the chairman.

Issues discussed during the meeting included the burial plan for the late Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Matthew Ochiobi, which has reached advanced stage. Eze Ihejiamaizu was said to be playing a prominent role as Ochiobi was believed to be the nominee of the influential king. Ochiobi’s burial has been slated for the end of the month. As was exclusively reported by Transport & Business Express, Ochiobi died of heart attack at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, after receiving the shocking news of the gruesome murder of his brother who was a police officer in charge of the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Onitsha, Anambra State, by unknown gunmen.
Following Ihejiamaizu’s ill health, he was said to have hopped into his vehicle and made for Umuahia, the state capital, immediately after the meeting and his personal physician was said to have advised him to have a bed rest for some days.

The late Eze, who was a close ally of Governor Theodore Orji, was heading to Umuahia for medical check-up when he slumped and could not be revived.

Just about a week ago, the late royal father, who held many titles and was a recipient of several awards, including his traditional title of Ntu Ukwu 1 of Mbutu Ukwu Ancient Kingdom, was honoured in Abuja by the Man O! War as he was given the rank of Major-General of Man O! War.

An accomplished business man and sports administrator, the late Ihejiamaizu was a one-time Chairman of Enyimba International Football Club of Aba.

*Photo shows Abia Governor, Theodore Orji, an ally of the late Ihejiamaizu.