From Uche Chukwu, Onitsha.
An Anambra community of Ndiowu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of the State have protested the recognition of Ojekeifi as their Igwe-elect, rejecting him for not being suitable and qualified to occupy the throne.
Reading a petition to the governor of Anambra State at the Light House, Awka, the State capital, the leader of the protesters, Mazi Uchenna Iloh argued that Ndiowu has for generations, upheld a rotational system of Igweship among the four traditional quarters of Udoada,Ufere, Okoro and Uche in order of “seniority” after the senior quarter assumed the stool in 2015.
The protest letter dated 12th January 2026 and which was presented to the governor’s representative reads: “Ultra votes acts and procedural abuse in the preparation for Ndiowu traditional stool election, protest against irregularities and no election conducted in the 12th January 2026 in Ndiowu Town Hall due to disrespect of constitution which allowed disenfranchisement of Ufere.”
The petition, a copy of which was made available to newsmen was equally endorsed by the Secretary, Engr. Eneka Akabogu; John Owe – Public Relations Officer; Chief Godwin Ugbaha (Abaeze Ancient Kingdom); Mazi Okoli l Obiora – Chairman of Ufere Quarter; Mazi Chile Okoli – Chairman of Okoro Quarter; Builder Orji Onyeks – Chairman of Uche Quarter. Continuing Iloh observed that the most senior community has taken its turn in rulership leaving Ufere quarter as the second most senior in line to occupy the throne in succession in a rotational position.
He pointed out that Okeke-Ifi who was recognized as Igwe-elect was not from the appropriate quarter.
The leader of the protesters explained that there was an understanding to re-examibe the 12th January date which led to a meeting of on about 200 community members, Commissioner’s representative and an aide to the Local Government Council Chairman, Capt. Casmir Nwafor in which it was unanimously agreed that the election he fixed for Easter to allow for proper planning. But, it was learnt that government officials insisted on the 12th January date.
He accused the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Affairs of arbitrarily and unilaterally determining stakeholdership of the community who h excluded women, youths, Ndiowu Traditional Ruler’s Council, Village be and quarter heads.
Iloh claimed that, contrary to the Ndiowu Traditional Rulers Constitution allowing both women and men to vote at Igweship election, but iit was allegedly jettisoned by the electoral committee supervised by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Affairs, Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne and Orumba North LG Council Chairman, Captain Casmir Nwafor.
In the said petition to governor Soludo with reference number NFTQM/10293 dated 26th January 2026, Iloh stated:
“Our Igweship election cannot be conducted without following “Option A4” as provided in the community’s constitution which was gazetted . He also disclosed that the constitution allows women to vote. Nobody can abrogate the constitution unless the Governor. Any election to be conducted under a perceived “suspended” constitution is illegal and subject to judicial challenge.
The spokesman revealed: “If a constitution is abrogated, a new one must be enacted, as required by Anambra State Chieftaincy Law. The imposition of secret balloting contradicts our community’s agreed open ballot system named option A4, which ensures transparency,” he stated.
Other speakers, including the community Woman Leader, Mrs Virginia Oji urged the governor to dismiss the traditional rulership election, investigate the Commissioner’s actions, ensure compliance with Ndiowu’s customs and constitution, and support a peaceful and inclusive process for the traditional stool poll.
But reacting to the protest, the governor represented by the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Professor Solomon Chukwulobelu assured he would notify the governor of their grievances, stressing that the governor would make out time to hear from those who have been accused in order to take necessary action..
He explained: “We have just heard from you, but we cannot act by that. His Excellency, the governor will still hear from the Commissioner and all those you mentioned before taking appropriate action. I will present to him all you have articulated in your letter. We wish to also plead with you to remain law abiding citizens as the government works round the clock to resolve the issue,” he added.
Recall that Ndiowu community had a fortnight staged a protest at the Town Hall against the proposed election, arguing government officials purportedly left the in acknowledgement that no election would hold. Iloh assured the community’s commitment BB to obey all state government’s directives while safeguarding the sanctity of it’s interval constitutional processes.
