Crisis looms as one kingdom gets two monarchs in Anambra

There is a growing concern for an impending crisis in Aguluzigbo Community in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State as two monarchs emerged in the same kingdom.

The kings are Chief Rufus Ugochinyelu Iloduba and Engr. Chuka Barth Asouzu.

• NDDC: Akpabio denies offering $5m bribe to Malami
• Man held by kidnappers after paying ransom for other victims

Iloduba emerged winner in the closely contested traditional rulership poll held at Aguluzigbo town hall amidst tight security, after pulling 810 votes to defeat Asouzu, who garnered 113 votes.

The Chairman of the electoral committee, Hon. Uche Egbebuike, disclosed that the election which started at 9am and ended by 1pm on Friday had a total of 2552 registered voters from across six villages, with 963 accredited, 923 valid votes and 40 voided votes.

However, Asouzu and his teaming supporters described the election as a kangaroo and full of irregularities and refused to accept the outcome.

He said he would consult with his people to find out the next line of action.

“Whatever is not proper is not proper. We saw it coming and informed the appropriate authorities. Even though this constitution was not proper, we said it should be followed to the latter if the election must hold without an amendment.

“But it was still floated. What they did did not follow our constitution. The Chairman of the electoral committee resigned; so, also his secretary.

“That is to show you that something was wrong with the election. I will consider the next thing to do,” he said.

According to him, plans to be at the venue of the election was also frustrated due to threats to his life by unknown persons monitoring him with unregistered vehicles.

One of the youths and supporters of Asouzu, who simply identified himself as Mr Uche said, “This election does not hold water.

“One man cannot decide for us who to elect, didn’t you see the security men they used to harass and intimidate opponents at the so-called election ground.

“Also, most of our teaming supporters have travelled back since the election could not hold on 28 or 31st December 2020 as planned.

“Therefore, I want to let you know that Engr. Asouzu remains our Igwe-elect, we won’t recognise any other person.”

The former Senator representing Anambra Central district, Senator Victor Umeh, described the outcome of the election as peoples’ choice, which, according to him, proved Aguluzigbo as one of the most peaceful community in Anambra State.

“It was a very peaceful election. There was no interference, people voted for their rightful candidate.

“My people have resisted an attempt by some people to breach the peace and unity of our dear town, there is nowhere minority will defeat the majority.

“They have been using propaganda in the media against this man (Rufus) that he is an illiterate, this is a man who graduated with a second class upper division in philosophy.

“He concluded his Master’s degree last year. He is a man of the people, I thank the Honourable Commissioner of Police, CP John Abang who provided us with a very tight security.”