Politics
Anambra Community boils over plot by Lawmakers to impose traditional ruler
By Our Correspondent
Cold war is brewing in Awa Town in Orumba North local government area of Anambra state over plot by the House of Assembly and some town union cabals to impose an Igwe on the community.
While some of the the state legislators are hell bent on enthroning a new Igwe of Awa without undergoing due processes involved therein, the Awa community and the ruling villages are kicking against such moves, describing it as an attempt to steal their rightful throne.
The Igwe of Awa Town, Charles Chukwunwike Mbadiugha (Dike Nzekwe of Awa) died in 2015, and since then the community has been embroiled in succession tussle, leading to series of litigations between Umunzekwe family and the Awa Development Union leadership and as well as other members of Igwe cabinet.
This development has also not only created a leadership vacuum, but fuelled undue rivalry among contending interest groups as well as disunity in the traditional institution in Awa community, which had hitherto been peaceful.
In an attempt to resolve the lingering crisis, the Orumba North local government council on January 9, 2018 and under the Council chairman Hon Emeka Afforka, set up a Peace and Reconciliation Committee on Awa Igwe/chieftaincy crises.
The 9-man panel in a reference letter ORNLG/AD/240/1/124 and headed by Hon Bernard Onyekwelu, the then Deputy Chairman of Orumba North, was mandated to look into the petition written by Umenzekwe family against the Awa Development Union and other members of Igwe’s Cabinet, find out the immediate and remote causes of the crisis with a view to proffering solutions as well as settling the matter amicably and restoring peace in Awa Community.
The panel after painstaking deliberations, recommended “the installation of a new Igwe as the first charge as the absence of an Igwe in Awa, the Iqwe/Chieftaincy constitution cannot be amended except after installation because it is the new Igwe that would sign the amended constitution into law.”
It further recommended that “candidate for the Iqweship stool should come from Umunzekwe family in line with agreements reached by both sides.”
A few years after the committee recommendations were adopted by warring factions, the then President General of Awa Development Union, Prof Obi Obikeze, and Dr Raymond Offor discreetly set up committee to illegally amend the Awa Town Council 1977 constitution on traditional rulership selection/identification of Igwe.
On getting wind of this ugly development and sensing moves to deny them of their traditional birth right of being the royal family that produces the Igwe of Awa in accordance with customs and tradition, the Umunzekwe family comprising Agbada, Eziobuikpa and Eziobuna villages headed for court and got an injunction restraining the Awa Development Union leaders from tampering with the constitution in a Suit No: AG/155/2018 between Chinedu Nwankwo and Sir Christopher Okeke (plaintiffs and representatives of Umenzekwe) versus Prof Obi Obikeze and Dr Raymond Offor ( as defendants) for themselves and representatives of members of Awa Development Union.
Checks by our reporter showed that the Awa Town Council 1977 constitution on traditional rulership authorises the selection/identification of Awa traditonal head on the senior and ruling Umunzekwe village or quarter of Awa in accordance with customs and tradition
Determined to have their way even as the court order was still subsisting, the duo of Obikeze and Offor went ahead and wrote a new constitution entirely and submitted same to the government, claiming that Awa has no existing constitution.
And out to defend sanctity of the traditional institution and protect their heritage, the Umunzekwe family again, on getting wind of the moves, petitioned the Anambra Commissioner of Police demanding investigation into the alleged change of Awa Town constitution.
It was gathered that following that petition, the police arrested Prof Obikeze and Dr Offor and charged them with fraud and are said to be standing trial.
While all these contending issues were on, the new President General of Awa Development Union, Dr Raymond Offor, shortly after his election in December 31, 2020, wrote to the community giving them ten days within which to elect a new Igwe, claiming it was government directive.
Worried by the action of the town union’s president whose election is still under litigation, the Umunzekwe again protested to the government, leading to the cancellation of the purported election and advised all to return to status quo.
In a letter dated February 12, 2021 and made available to our reporter in Awka, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr Greg Obi, cancelled the purported election citing some irreconcilable issues.
The letter signed on his behalf by Henry Nwasike and copied to critical stakeholders including security agencies, read in part: “The cancellation of the election was necessitated by series of documented information before the state government which, if not clinically examined and addressed before the election, can lead to problems and security issues in state.”
Further reacting on the issue, the Commissioner said the Awa matter is before the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice for his opinion because of the legal issues involved, adding AG’s advice would enable government to proceed further.
Further checks revealed that in spite of all these lingering issues and against government directive, the law maker representing Orumba North in the state Assembly, Hon Emeka Aforka, and his group allegedly organised a thanksgiving service at St Micheal’s Catholic Church at Awa on Sunday, February 14, 2021 to celebrate the purported election of one Chief Isreal Ezue as the new Igwe of Awa.
On discovering that government wasn’t willing to buy into his subterranean plots to impose his crony as new Igwe, Hon Afforka engineered one of his allies and the new Town Union president, Dr Raymond Offor, to petition the House of Assembly through his office, the Public Petitions.
House sources revealed that as usual, the House after receiving the petition titled ”Complaint against Henry Nwasike of the Anambra State Ministry Of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs for Conduct Unbecoming of a Civil Servant, Gross Misconduct, Fraudulent Practices and Inciting Religious Division Within Awa Committee” referred it to the committee on Public Petitions, which Oforka is the chairman.
According to the source, the committee on March 3, 2021 presented their report on the floor of the house and after deliberating on the matter the lawmakers adopted a resolution including “directing the Head of Service, to post out Mr Henry Nwasike from the ministry of local government, chieftaincy and community affairs and that the said letter cancelling the election of Awa Traditional Ruler sent to the president of Awa Development Union be declared null and void as it has been overtaken by events and the and winner be issued with certificate of recognition as Igwe of Awa Town to ensure peace within the community.”
Speaking earlier while presenting the report, Aforka argued that contrary to what people are made to believe, that Awa Town had set up a committee to review the chieftaincy selection constitution and it was duly approved by state government through the ministry of local government affairs in 2018.
He said it was worrisome that a section of the community proceeded to court, insisting that the issue of chieftaincy is their own hereditary right, adding that the matter was later struck out.
He explained that the community communicated the state government through the ministry fixing February 13, 2021 for the election and it was held to their greatest surprise, expressing dismay that after declaration of the winner of the election, the ministry of local government letter cancelled it.
Reacting to the House of Assembly resolutions, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Obiano on Community Liaison, Hon Chukwuemeke Egwuonwu, said the issue of traditional institution is so sacred and revered that all due processes must be followed for peace to reign in various communities in Anambra.
Egwuonwu, who hail from Awa, said Awa community have for decades been living in peace among themselves and therefore enjoined the government to do everything possible to preserve the people’s culture and tradition.
According to him, the Awa community is yet to elect Igwe and reconstitute the Igwe-in-council following some irreconcilable differences within the community, calling on the Governor to tow the path of truth and justice in the Igweship tussle.
He said the House resolution directing Governor Willy Obiano to issue a certificate of recognition to the purported Igwe-elect, HRH Igwe Isreal Okeke, is against the age-long Awa Town Council 1977 constitution on traditional rulership, selection/identification which confers traditional head on the senior and ruling Umunzekwe village or quarter of Awa in accordance with the community customs and tradition.
He further explained that the report of peace and reconciliation committee on Awa Igwe/Chieftaincy Crises set up by Hon Emeja Aforka, the then council chairman of Orumba north local governemnt, recommended among others that candidate for the Iqweship stool should come from Umunzekwe family in line with agreements reached by both sides.
He added that the report expressly stated that “in the absence of an Igwe in Awa, the Iqwe/Chieftaincy constitution cannot be amended except after installation,” disclosing that the Awa community is made up of twelve villages and only three of them are the ruling villages that would produce the next Igwe.
Emeka stated that the Assembly has no right at all to direct Governor Obiano to give certificate of recognition to the purported Igwe-elelct just as they was no election to that effect, calling on the Governor to disregard their directive as it would further breed tension and acrimony within the community.
Also advising Governor Willy Obiano to be wary of imposters who want not only foist their crony as Igwe in Awa Town, a community leader, Solomon Nwosu, said the move by Hon Aforka is an attempt to desecrate the traditional institution and cause division among the family members.
Nwosu, from Eziobuikpa village, maintained that it is unfortunate that their representative at the house of Assembly is conspiring to destroy a revered royal family even as they stood with the lawmaker in the 2019 general election that brought him to office.
He wondered why Aforka should dissipate energy and such interest championing the cause of Awa when his people are up against him for his alleged misdemeanors.
According to him, “Aforka desperate moves is a calculated attempt to spite the peace loving governor Obiano and we shall rise against it as Awa family stands for peace and justice.”
Also speaking, Nze Prince Willifred Nwankwo, whose father-grand and father have been igwes of Awa, said what is happening in Awa is a misnomer and unheard of and therefore should be condemned by all right thinking community leaders.
Nwankwo,from Eziobuna, explained that traditional issues are not discussed at the behest of an individual whose quest for power cannot be sacrificed at the alter of our native laws and customs, calling on Hon Aforka to stay off Awa matter as he is not empowered to speak on the community’s behalf with regard to Igweship stool.
He advised Aforka to focus on how to make laws for good governance and borrow a leaf from his colleagues on how to attract projects to his constituents, adding that so far the law maker can not boast of anything in the whole sixteen communities of Orumba North other than crisis.
END
In the now-controversial post shared on his social media page, Osborne wrote: “In a sane clime president Bola Ahmed Tinubu would’ve respectfully and honourably resigned. I’m of APC but truth be told.”
The comment quickly generated reactions online before the Akwa Ibom State Government moved to terminate his appointment.
In a letter dated June 2, 2026, the Office of the Political Adviser to the Governor announced his immediate disengagement.
The termination letter, signed by the Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince Godwin Ntuk Udeh, stated that Osborne Ubong Okon had been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.Politics
According to the letter, the decision was taken over actions the office described as disloyal.
“You are hereby relieved of your engagement as a Media Aide to the Political Adviser to His Excellency the Governor, with immediate effect and from today, 2nd June 2026,” the memo read.
The letter further cited “actions bordering on disloyalty” and the need to keep the office “purified” as reasons for the dismissal.
The office also issued a warning to members of the public and government officials regarding future dealings with the former aide.
“Any person having dealings with the above-mentioned former Media Aide in relation to this office of his former engagement does so on his/her own peril,” the statement added.
The development has sparked fresh conversations about the limits of political expression for government appointees and the expectations of loyalty within public service, particularly when comments are directed at the presidency.
Neither Osborne nor the Presidency had publicly responded to the development as of the time of filing this report.
The decision was taken during plenary on Tuesday at the Assembly complex in Dutse, the state capital, as the party continues to deal with the fallout from recent primaries.
The action comes amid a wave of suspensions across Jigawa APC following the recently conducted primary election.
Several special advisers and special assistants have already been suspended statewide over alleged anti-party activities from state level down to local government level.
Maigari, who doubles as the councillor representing Auyo Ward, was suspended after the House considered a motion by the Majority Leader, Lawan Dansure.
The motion sought disciplinary action against the lawmaker for conduct deemed harmful to party cohesion.
Moving the motion during the Assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday, Dansure urged members to support the suspension.
He said the House must act to protect the integrity of the ruling party ahead of 2027.
According to him, the actions of the Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
“His actions are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress,” Dansure told the House.
He argued that anti-party conduct at the grassroots level could undermine APC’s performance in future elections.
He said the House could not fold its arms while party discipline was being tested.
“Hon. Haruna Maigari is hereby suspended as Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council over alleged anti-party activities,” Dangyatin announced during plenary.
The Speaker also said the House remains committed to party discipline at all levels of governance in the state.
Dangyatin then constituted an investigative committee to look into the matter and report back within two weeks.
“The committee is expected to establish facts and recommend further action based on its findings,” he said.
The Speaker also directed the suspended lawmaker to hand over all official documents in his possession to the Deputy Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council.
He said the handover must be done immediately to ensure continuity of council business.
Meanwhile, the House also received a formal notification from Governor Umar Namadi regarding an official trip.
“The governor is billed to attend a two-day West African Rice Investment Roundtable in Accra, Ghana,” the Speaker said during the plenary session of the Assembly.
Dangyatin, who explained that the governor’s foreign engagement will hold between June 2 and June 3, 2026, added that “the governor’s participation is aimed at attracting investment to Jigawa’s rice value chain.”
By Chinedu Sabastine
Mr. Samson Chukwu Nnamani has declared that he remains the authentic governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 election.
Nnamani made this known on Friday during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Enugu.
Reacting to allegations that he was suspended from the party before the PDP governorship primary election, Nnamani dismissed the claim, questioning how a supposedly suspended aspirant could participate in the exercise and secure votes.
“The purported claim that I was suspended is very funny. If I was suspended as they claim, how can they attribute votes for me during their kangaroo primary,” Nnamani questioned.
Represented by his Media Director, Dr. Buchi Nnaji, the PDP chieftain said his authenticity derives from the present recognition of the Abdulrahman-led faction of the PDP by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of which he is a member.
The clarification followed the emergence of multiple claimants to the PDP governorship ticket in Enugu State.
Nnamani insisted that the party was no longer factionalised following INEC’s recognition of the Abdulrahman-led PDP leadership, noting that the panel which declared him winner where sent from their headquaters, Abuja.
Nnamani expressed gratitude to PDP leaders and supporters whom he said turned out massively on Sunday, May 24, 2026, to elect him as the party’s governorship candidate.
He pledged to reposition Enugu State through infrastructure development, job creation and people-oriented policies.
“As the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Enugu State, I remain committed to the ideals of good governance, inclusive leadership, economic development, youth empowerment, quality education, improved healthcare and enhanced security for all residents,” he said.
He added that his aspiration was to build “a greater Enugu State where opportunities abound for every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or social status.”
According to him, his administration would prioritise infrastructure development, industrialisation, support for small businesses and welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“We shall also review and remove policies and practices that are truncating the wellbeing, economic survival and social advancement of the citizens,” he stated.
Nnamani further called on stakeholders, party faithful, youths, women, traditional rulers and the people of Enugu State to join hands in building “a united, peaceful and progressive state.”
“Together, we can achieve the Enugu of our dreams,” he added.
The Presidency has reacted following the circulation of an alleged WhatsApp voice note in which President Bola Tinubu reportedly claims he begged opposition figure Peter Obi to step down ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The reaction came on Wednesday from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President.
Onanuga condemned the audio file, labeling it a fabrication and called for legal action against popular social media critic VeryDarkMan who shared it.
“This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu. This is a clear case of an egregious abuse of the social media platform.,” Onanuga tweeted.
In the viral video, VeryDarkMan used the alleged leaked audio to urge Nigerians to vote against President Tinubu’s reelection bid in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Recall that just days ago, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, President Tinubu secured the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a landslide nationwide direct primary election.
During that contest, Tinubu faced a lone challenger, Edo State businessman and APC chieftain Stanley Osifo. The President won with 10,999,162 votes from the 12,643,306 registered party members, while Osifo secured 16,503 votes.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, who finished third in the 2023 election, is widely expected to fly the flag for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). Both Obi and Tinubu hail from the southern region of Nigeria and are set to face last year’s runner-up, Atiku Abubakar, who is expected to lead the ticket for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, has accused Governor Francis Nwifuru of running the state like a personal family business.
Odii made the remark shortly after emerging as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election following the party’s primary election conducted across the 13 local government areas of the state.
Speaking to party supporters in Abakaliki, Odii said the 2027 election would be about rescuing Ebonyi from poor governance and restoring economic growth and public welfare.
“Ebonyi can never be consumed. Ebonyi can never be conquered. Ebonyi can never become a personal family business, and we are here for the rescue of our dear state,” he stated.
The PDP flag bearer pledged to improve the welfare of civil servants and teachers while promising policies aimed at reviving the state’s economy.
Odii also dismissed fears over political opposition ahead of the election, insisting that his focus remained the development and progress of Ebonyi State.
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