By Izunna Okafor, Awka
There was a 21-day-gun salute, jubilation and songs of praise at the premises of the High Court 2, Ogidi, as Justice Chukwudi Nwankwo delivered a judgment upholding Igwe Mac-Anthony Okonkwo as the authentic traditional ruler of Alor Community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The judgment, delivered on Friday, dismissed the case brought against Igwe Okonkwo by a group of individuals led by Mr. Uzoma Igbonwa and Mr. Ifeanyi Obiazi. The court ruled that the suit was incompetent and lacked merit, marking it as the fourth unsuccessful attempt to challenge Igwe Okonkwo’s leadership.
Speaking after the judgment, an elated Igwe Okonkwo expressed profound gratitude to God for the victory, describing it as divine vindication. The monarch, who is also the NUJ Philanthropist of the Decade 2024, noted that the victory was not just his alone but that of the entire Alor community. He affirmed that the traditional throne of Alor is rotational and highlighted that this year marks his eleventh year on the throne.
Igwe Okonkwo, who is popularly known as Ezedioramma III of Alor, acknowledged the unwavering support of his subjects from the beginning of the legal tussle. He also praised Justice Chukwudi Nwankwo for standing for justice and commended his legal team, led by Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and Dubem Anyaigbo (SAN), for their relentless efforts in the legal battle. He condemned what he described as illegalities and manipulations from the plaintiffs, which, according to him, should not have been considered in the first place.
Reflecting on the prolonged legal battles, Igwe Okonkwo noted that three previous cases challenging his traditional rulership had not been heard, while the fourth one, which was eventually heard, was dismissed for lacking merit. He expressed his unwavering faith in the Nigerian judiciary as the hope of the common man, despite fears expressed by some about the credibility of the legal system.
He revealed that if the judgment had gone against him, he could have faced imprisonment, but he remained thankful to God for vindicating him and preserving his freedom.
Also reacting to the judgment, Chief Chukwuemeka Ikegwuogu, a member of Igwe Okonkwo’s cabinet, described the ruling as a demonstration that the judiciary still upholds justice and fairness. He praised the judge for his courage and called on members of the Alor community to rally around Igwe Okonkwo, describing him as a peaceful and accommodating leader.
Chief Ikegwuogu also recounted the process of the traditional rulership election in Alor, during which he was one of the contestants. He revealed that Igwe Okonkwo emerged victorious, and while some candidates conceded defeat for peace to reign, a few dissenting individuals continued to challenge the outcome through legal battles.
Another resident of the community, Dr. Dominic Chigozie, provided a brief account of the genesis of the legal tussles and expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. He urged Igwe Okonkwo to continue his good works in the community, as his leadership had brought positive transformation to Alor.
Following the judgment, celebrations erupted in the Alor community as the monarch returned home. A twenty-one-gun salute was fired at the Igwe’s palace and another twenty-one-gun salute at a community square to celebrate the victory. Community members danced and sang in solidarity with their traditional ruler, expressing hope that the court decision would finally put to rest the leadership dispute and restore peace in Alor.
