Ozo title holders in Awka have thrown their weight behind the outcome of the panel set up by Chukwuma Soludo, reaffirming Obi Gibson Nwosu as the Eze Uzu II of Awka Kingdom.
Speaking during a meeting in Awka, the group, led by its President, Ozo James Chukwujekwu Eze, said it supports the panel’s findings but is awaiting the release of the government’s White Paper before making a formal declaration of full solidarity.
He stressed that the Ozo society would not act in opposition to constituted authority, noting that the body remains united and committed to aligning with the state government once the White Paper is issued.
“As of now, we have not seen the White Paper. When it is published, we will abide by it. It is not in our character to fight the government,” he said.
Eze described the protracted chieftaincy dispute in Awka as unfortunate, lamenting that what began as a minor issue escalated into a prolonged crisis. He, however, assured that the Ozo society would continue to promote peace and unity in the community.
The panel of inquiry, chaired by retired Justice Paul Obidigwe, submitted its report after weeks of deliberations, during which 32 memoranda were reviewed and 28 oral testimonies taken.
The panel concluded that Gibson Nwosu was not lawfully dethroned, stating that there were no valid grounds for his removal and that he was denied fair hearing, rendering the action invalid and of no legal effect.
It also ruled that another claimant, Chief Austin Ndigwe, was not properly selected, describing his emergence as a breach of due process and statutory provisions.
Receiving the report, Governor Soludo said the government would study its recommendations and issue a White Paper. He noted that the state initially allowed the community to resolve the matter internally but intervened after being invited.
The governor emphasized that law and order must prevail, adding that no community in Anambra State would be allowed to have more than one traditional ruler, and maintained that in resolving the dispute, there is “no victor and no vanquished.”
