The Oba community in Idemili South LGA, Anambra state , have reiterated their overwhelming support for their traditional ruler, Igwe Engr Augustine Chinedu Emelobe, the Eze Okpoko the 2nd of Oba as he gets set for his first Ofala Festival.
The overwhelming vote of confidence, the community members said, became necessary following a recent distraction by some faceless individuals who arrogated the title of a non-existent group-“Leaders and Elders Council of Oba” who tried to tarnish the image of their revered new monarch through mischievous allegations .
Speaking on the development, the Palace Secretary, Engr. Sir Chukwusoafu Uchenna Samuel who spoke on behalf of the Igwe in-Council of Oba noted that contrary to the insinuation by the faceless group that Igwe Emelobe was parading himself falsely as the traditional ruler of Oba community, there is no crisis or contest whatsoever presently, about the position of Oba Traditional Ruler.
Chukwusoafu emphatically stated that Engr. Augustine C. Emelobe was duly elected as the traditional ruler and Eze Okpoko the 2nd of Oba on the 15th March 2025 by an overwhelming majority of Oba people in a free and fair election conducted by the OBA PATRIOTIC UNION. He said the election was duly observed by representatives of the Anambra State Government, Anambra State Town Union Council and the press.
Chukwusoafu stated that in line with Sections 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law 2007, the Anambra State Government, on 12th June 2025, issued a Certificate of Recognition to HRM Igwe Engr. Augustine C. Emelobe as the Igwe and Eze Okpoko II of Oba while he has continued to enjoy the overwhelming goodwill and support of the people of Oba since then.
The palace secretary also dismissed insinuations and allegations of tax evasion against the Igwe by the faceless group noting that HRM Igwe Engr. Augustine C. Emelobe is a responsible taxpayer who pays his tax as and when due while there are no outstanding personal income tax matters between him and the Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), his company Northbridge Energy and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) who have all issued him and the company an up to date Tax Clearance Certificate.
In conclusion, the Igwe in Council of Oba stated that the Oba traditional institution and the Igwe and Eze Okpoko stool are governed by age old customs, constitution and laws and should not be dragged into the arena of personal vendetta, media manipulation and public ridicule.
The council also warned those masquerading themselves as ‘Leaders and Elders Council of Oba’ and attempting to smear the traditional throne of Oba and the person of HRM Igwe Engr. Augustine C. Emelobe, Eze Okpoko II of Oba that they will eventually be unmasked while severe sanction awaits them in line with Oba customs and tradition.
