By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Ndiowu in Orumba North Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State, Monday, rejected the purported election of Chief Ben Chibuzor Okeke-Ifi, describing it as nullity for not following their constitutional provisions.
Okeke-Ifi allegedly elected on January 12, 2025 did not hail from the quarter whose time it was to produce the next traditional ruler of the community since passing unto glory of His Royal Highness, Eze O.O. Udeh that died in 2015.
The protesters, including women, youth and men also displayed placards of many inscriptions some of which read that "Ndiowu traditional rulership poll is not sale,"Soludo Solution come and help us in our Ezeship stool," "Our Constitution is gazetted and Certified," "Ndiowu demands transparency in our election," "Commissioner respect our votes," among others.
The community at end of their protest match held in front of Anambra State Government House, Awka, presented position papers to Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, imploring him not to recognise Okeke-Ifi as their monarch until due process is followed to elect a credible person. The papers were signed by their respective quarters Chairmen and Secretaries such as Udoada Quarter, Ufere Quarter, Okoro Quarter, Uche Quarter, and General Quarter, as well as Umuada (daughters) and Anutaradi (married women).
Leader of the protesters, Mazi Uchenna Iloh argued that Ndiowu has for generations, upheld a rotational system of leadership among the four traditional quarters in order of “seniority” after the senior quarter assumed the stool in 2015, with Ufere quarter (the second most senior) been in line to hold the rotational position and Okeke-Ifi was not from there.
According to him, Ndiowu Traditional Rulers Constitution stipulated that both women and men must vote at Igwe's election but it was allegedly jettisoned by the electoral committee supervised by the Commissioner for LGA and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne and Orumba North LGA Chairman, Mr Casmir Nwafor.
"Our Igweship election cannot be conducted without following Option A4 stated in the constitution which also allowed women to vote. Nobody can abrogate the constitution unless the Governor. Any election to be conducted under a “suspended” constitution is illegal and subject to judicial challenge.
"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 responding, the Secretary to the Anambra State government, Professor Solomon Chukwulobelu said he would notify the governor of their grievances who would further hear from those accused by the protesters and take appropriate action for overall good of all.
"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.
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