Oba people in the Diaspora under the aegis of Oba Development Peace and Unity Forum (ODPUF), have appealed to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to call his aides to order against being used to destroy 40year old peace the community enjoyed during the reign of their late traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Peter Ezenwa.
The ODPUF constituting of Oba indigenes in Spain, in a statement cautioned against any Anambra state governments’ interference into the Ezeokpoko stool selection, warning that it could causes
crisis in the town.
It also urged Governor Soludo to discourage any attempt of appointing a Caretaker Committee to run affairs of Oba Patriotic Union (OPU), which is the office handling screening of the aspirants for the vacant Ezeokpoko stool.
The group alleged that the moves by the State Government through the State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, to foist an Interim Town Union Government or the Caretaker Committee, whose over six members rejected their appointment, as well as entire Oba community had made peace become fragile in the Community.
A statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, and its Secretary, Chief Anthony Okonwko, respectively, passed vote of confidence on the Oba Central Screening Committee for the Ezeokpo stool, and its Chairman Dr Emmanuel Emelumadu, for their honesty and hard work to ensure that the community gets fast and suitable replacement for its late monarch.
The statement reads in part, “ODPUF described as needless, any attempt to appoint a Caretaker government for the OPU leadership, such attempt is already brewing crisis in the community, known for its peaceful coexistence and good relationship with successive governments in the state.
“The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, appointment of Interim Town Union Government, for OPU, since its formation was to satisfy the interest of 15 unpatriotic individuals whose Igweship aspirants were among the disqualified candidates by the Oba Central Screening Committee headed by Dr Emmanuel Emelumadu.
“We can testify that the whole exercise carried out by Oba Central Screening Committee, were transparent, fair and just.
“We are surprise that the Caretaker Chairperson of Idemili South Local Government Headquarters, Ojoto, inaugurated the Caretaker Committee for OPU: headed by Sir Osita Ubadi, before the community stoutly rejected the foisting of interim leadership on OPU.
“Oba community cannot have an interest party in the selection of aspirant for Ezeokpoko stool as OPU leader. Oba town, is above partisan politics, and cannot mix the selection for the replacement of its revered late traditional ruler with party politics.
“We in unison agreed that following the death of Igwe P.C Ezenwa, five years ago, his son Prince Noel Ezenwa, emerged as the Regent of Oba town from a keenly contested election pending the election of the new Ezeokpoko.
“We are equally aware that two years into his reign, as Regent of Oba, he called for the election of the new Ezeokpoko, with strict compliance of the Constitution on how to select the new Igwe, or Ezeokpoko II amongst the villages concerned, which resulted in 10 people picking the forms to contest, thereby, dispelling the rumour that the Regent wanted to remain in office.
“We are appealing to Governor Soludo to assist Oba community and do the needful for us to have our election, instead of allowing the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs to foist Interim Town Union Government on us.
“Now Rev. Emelie’s tenure had terminated in April and the process of the election had commenced with creation of Electoral Committee during the Easter Convention of Oba community.”
