BY SUNNY A. DAVID
The people of Nkwelle-Ezunaka Community, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State on Saturday broke the age long traditional rulership tussle that has bedevilled the town.
This came after a keenly contested election among three prominent indigenes namely: Ogbuefi Chris Eluemunor, a former Chairman of Ohanaeze, Anambra State and ex President-General, Nkwelle-Ezunaka Improvement Union, Ogbuefi Damian Odiche and Ogbuefi Obiora Anachuna who is reputed for his philanthropic activities to the Community.
Thus Nkwelle-Ezunaka community, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State yesterday broke the age long traditional rulership tussle that had bedevilled the town for 23 years.
The community where the late prolific writer, Cyprian Ekwensi hailed from had been battling to produce a traditional ruler with several court litigations which have hindered the process of producing a new king for the community.
A source source said, “The fears, lobbying and curiosity are over as the age grade system of administration in Nkwelle-Ezunaka according to the town’s constitution at Hilltop Primary School, venue of the election yesterday displayed patriotism and caution in the choice of Ogbuefi Obiora Anachuna (Omenife)”
Shortly before the election which commenced at about 12:15 pm and ended at 2:08 pm the Transition Committee Chairman, Oyi Local Government Area, Hon. Emma Nweke who was represented by Secretary of the Council, C.C. Aniegboka applauded the quality arrangements at the venue and called on the voters to adhere to the rules.
Mr. Ikechukwu Mgbike who represented the State Government and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sir Anthony Nwabunwanne commended the electoral committee and President-General, Ogbuefi Willie Okafor for peaceful disposition of voters in the entire process.
He urged the contestants to support the newly elected king for peace and progress of the community which was left without a traditional ruler for decades.
The President-General, Nkwelle-Ezunaka Improvement Union, Ogbuefi Willie Okafor who described the election of a new king for his community as one of his greatest achievements so far urged the Igwe-elect to be humble in victory with the desire to pursue a rapid restoration of peace in the entire domain.
He acknowledged the deteriorating state of the community due to absence of a ruler and urged the indigenes to support the new king.
While addressing journalists in his palace at Oze village, Nkwelle-Ezunaka shortly after his victory, the Igwe-elect, Ogbuefi Anachuna thanked the entire community for the peaceful election.
Ogbuefi Anachuna who beat fellow contestants with 406 votes followed by 236 by his closest rival, Chris Eluemunor and 174 votes by Damian Odiche promised to carry everybody along in the development process of the community.
The Igwe-elect said he was overwhelmed by the support and cooperation accorded him during the entire process and would not disappoint his people.
The Secretary-General, Nkwelle-Ezunaka Improvement Union, Ogbuefi Vitalis Nwakobi (Ugosinachineke) who expressed joy over the election of a new ruler for the town disclosed to journalists that indigenes were happy as the community has for so long lived without a traditional ruler.
He commended the entire electoral body and the town union for making the community proud.
