A representative of the Igwe-elect of Oba town in Anambra State, Cardinal Chukwujama, has refuted claims that Governor Charles Soludo threatened to arrest the Igwe-elect of Oba, Engr. Chiedu Emelobe, Eze Okpoko II.
DAILY POST recalls that Soludo was reported to have cancelled the election conducted by the Oba community in Idemili South Local Government Area to elect a new traditional ruler.
The election was held to replace the town’s late monarch, Igwe P.C. Ezenwa.
However, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Matters, TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, told journalists that anyone claiming to have been elected in the purported election or parading himself as the monarch or monarch-elect of Oba community would face arrest.
Speaking to journalists about the development, Chukwujama stated that the viral claims were being spread by five individuals who participated in the electoral process but rejected the outcome when Engr. Emelobe emerged victorious.
He explained the events that led to Emelobe’s emergence and countered allegations of his rejection, emphasising that the election was genuine.
According to Chukwujama, the final results, endorsed by the chiefs, Ichies, and the general populace of Oba town, showed Emelobe securing a landslide victory with 784 votes, compared to Ananti’s 25 votes.
He argued that the commissioner’s statement did not reflect the true events, stressing that the election was transparent and that Engr. Emelobe was duly elected as the new Igwe.
“The people behind this conspiracy are working against the interests of Oba,” Chukwujama said, adding that the legal case brought to court was resolved through an agreement between feuding parties in the community.
“Based on that agreement, the judge delivered her judgment. However, because we sought peace, she postponed her decision to incorporate the agreement into her judgement and issue a consent ruling. That’s precisely what happened in court.”
He detailed the events leading up to the election: “After the court’s judgment, we prepared for the election. It was Prince Noel Ezenwa and the President General of the Oba Patriotic Union, OPU, who scheduled the election for a Friday. Noel Ezenwa even congratulated the President General, the plaintiffs in the case, and the people of Oba for reaching this understanding and agreement.
“Surprisingly, Noel Ezenwa later filed a petition with the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The commissioner summoned us and advised that the election be moved from Thursday to Saturday to accommodate civil servants.
“We agreed to this adjustment to ensure inclusivity. We convened a meeting on Tuesday to announce the shift to Saturday.
“On Friday, the commissioner invited Noel Ezenwa, along with the Ichies and Chiefs, to meet with the Commissioner of Police, citing a petition claiming that holding the election might result in loss of life in Oba.”
Despite these efforts, Chukwujama said the election proceeded without incident.
“Everyone, except for Noel Ezenwa and his allies, attended the election. The people of Oba conducted a peaceful, well-attended, and rancor-free election, which was covered by the media and shared on Facebook. Security agencies, including the police, were present.
“At the end of the day, Engr. Augustine Chinedu Emelobe was elected as Igwe Eze Okpoko II. We were shocked when reports began circulating, claiming that the Commissioner and Governor Soludo had cancelled the election,” he stated.
Oba chieftaincy tussle: Anambra community faults commissioner