Some elderly men, women and youths from Ndiowu community in Orumba North Local Government Area on Monday protested the alleged ‘selection’ of a new monarch they say is not in line with their community’s traditional laws.
The protesters gathered at the Government House in Awka, carrying placards demanding urgent intervention from Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to restore peace and ensure a transparent election process.
Members of the group displayed placards with different inscriptions such as ‘The Stool of the Ezediohamma Ndiowu is Not for Sale’, ‘Respect Our Right to Choose’, ‘Soludo Solution, Help Us in Our Eze Stool’, among others.
Addressing newsmen, the group’s spokesperson and chairman of Ndiowu’s four traditional quarters
Chief Uchenna Iloh, called for a free, fair and credible Ezeship election.
Iloh emphasised that only candidates from Ufere village are eligible to contest, in line with the community’s 2024 amended constitution.
He said the constitution was duly approved by the State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Town Union Affairs.
According to him, the candidates officially eligible for the Ezeship stool include Chief Nwankwo Godwin Ugochukwu and Dr Onyeka Kanu.
Others are Mazi Onyeka Ekwueme and Obumneme Okeke, all from Ufere quarter, in compliance with the community’s constitutional mandate.
“The peopie vehemently reject the emergence of Mr Chibuzor Okekeife, a US-based businessman from the Umudiabor kindred, as the new traditional ruler.
“His candidacy violates the constitutional zoning of the stool,” he said.
Iloh accused the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Collins Nwabunwanne, of undermining the community’s will by excluding women from voting and introducing a secret ballot system.
He said it was contrary to the community’s option A4 voting method outlined in the constitution.
“The community had unanimously agreed to hold the election during the upcoming Easter festival, when more residents will be available to participate.
“But the Commissioner, alongside the Orumba North Local Government Chairman, Mr Casmir Nwafor, deployed armed security personnel to push through Mr Okekeife’s selection.
“We are protesting the injustice and discrimination against the women, who have historically participated in voting.
“We demand respect for our constitution and a return to Option A4 voting,” Chief Iloh said.
“We call on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to ensure peace and a proper election that reflects our traditions,” he said.
Addressing the protesters, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solomon Chukwulobelu, assured that the government would work towards a peaceful resolution.
“All we want is a peaceful process that allows the right candidate to emerge,” he said.
He urged the community members to maintain order and expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved.
“This government is committed to finding solutions. Ndiowu will continue to thrive,” he added.
