Hearing-Impaired Man Makes History, Becomes Traditional Ruler In Abia

A historic moment unfolded in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State when Royal Highness Eze Anthony Chukwunyere Anyiam Ohaeri, Awa-Ukwu II, who experiences hearing impairment, was enthroned as the traditional ruler of Umuawa Alaocha Autonomous Community.

Eze Ohaeri was the first traditional ruler to be installed in the community. Born on October 10, 1960, the accomplished individual overcame the limitations imposed by his hearing impairment to achieve academic milestones both in Nigeria and the United States of America where he graduated as a Computer Scientist.

The traditional ruler and first son of the late Eze Anyiam Ohaeri, the Utuhutu I of Umuawa Alaocha Autonomous Community, is blessed with two wives and four children.

In his speech during the coronation ceremony held at the Community Primary School Umuawa, Abia State, Governor Alex Otti restated his administration’s commitment to removing the barriers against persons living with disabilities in the state in order to give them a sense of belonging.

Governor Otti, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Persons with Disabilities, Mr David Anyaele, said that the government was desirous to ensure that its rebuilding agenda was achieved.

He recalled that the state has launched numerous programmes and policies aimed at improving the welfare of the citizenry.

In his address, Eze Ohaeri, whose speech was read by an interpreter, expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence placed in him by the community and called for support for persons living with disability.

The traditional ruler thanked the state government for breaking the norm which saw his emergence as the first hearing-impaired person to assume the role of a traditional ruler in Abia State.

“It may interest you to know that 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 the first of its kind.

“My governor, you have further proven the fact that you are indeed a jinx breaker,” he said.

Eze Ohaeri, while commending the Governor’s commitment to the rebuilding agenda, sought further cooperation for the community’s development and appealed to government for improved infrastructure development in the community.