Igweship Tussle: Community urges Obiano to issue certificate of recognition

The people of Umuoji community in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra have urged the Governor of the state, Willie Obiano to issue a certificate of recognition to Chief Kanayo Okoye as the elected traditional ruler of the community.

Some members of the community, who protested at the Government House, said that Okoye scored the highest number of votes during the Igweship election on May 8 organised by Umuoji Improvement Union Nigeria (UIUN) and supervised by state government.

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They urged the government to declare him as the new traditional ruler of the community.

Our reporters learnt that the protesters drawn from the 23 villages that make up Umuoji, were accompanied by various community leaders, village heads and members of Igwe-In-Council.

During the protest, they carried placards with various inscriptions like; “Igwe Umuoji is not for sale”,” Umuoji want Chief Kanayo Okoye”,” Umuoji demands Kanayo as the Traditional Ruler” among others.

Chief Tochukwu Mmodu, who spoke on behalf of others, alleged that some individuals were trying to create unnecessary tension in the community by organising a run-off election.

Chief Mmodu, who described the action as unacceptable, appealed for immediate intervention of the government on the matter.

While receiving the protesters at the Government House, Awka, Governor Obiano called on various communities across the state to make communal living and peaceful coexistence their watchword.

The governor who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu promised to look into the matter raised by the protesters.