A crisis is brewing in Ihite Community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, over the selection of a traditional ruler. The community’s traditional council has rejected the newly elected monarch, Mr. Timothy Ifurunwa, who was chosen by a section of the community led by President General, Mr. George Madu. The council has petitioned Governor Chukwuma Soludo, urging him to intervene and disregard the selection process, which they claim was unconstitutional and favored Madu’s candidate.
According to the petition, signed by the council’s lawyer, Barr N.I Onyeakpa, and chiefs Ahamkonye, Daniel Ifemkpa, Anudu Ephraim, and Geoffrey Okeke, the president general jettisoned the community’s constitution to favor his preferred candidate. They argue that the selection process should have involved a joint meeting of the Ihite traditional council and the town union, as stipulated by Ihite native law and custom.
The traditional council has filed suits in both customary and magistrate courts challenging the dissolution of the Ihite traditional council and the illegal selection process. They are urging Governor Soludo not to issue a certificate of recognition to Ifurunwa, citing the ongoing legal disputes.
Two members of the traditional council, Chief Geoffrey Okeke and Onowu Dominic Ahamkonye, have called on the governor to nullify the selection process, while President General Madu insists that the process was transparent and that only a few disgruntled individuals are opposing it.
The situation remains tense, with the community divided and seeking the governor’s intervention to resolve the crisis.
