Elders and people of Ojoto community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra state on Tuesday stormed state government house, demanding the removal of their traditional ruler, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu over acts they said were unbecoming of a royal father.
Men and women of the community led by Chief Anthony Uzokwe(Ndi-Omenana leader) and Engr Richard Anyichie (former council chairman and leader o Ojoto elders) told governor Willie Obiano that Mbamalu is an illustrious son of Ojoto, but not their monarch.
The people bore placards bearing some points of their grievances protested at the gate of the Anambra Government House, chanting choruses denouncing the granting of Certificate of recognition to Mbamalu contrary to the popular choice of the community -that is Dennis Adindu Okafor.
Some of the placards read, “Mbamau is not our Igwe. Ojoto Akanasato popularly chose Dennis Okafor”, “Thugs and brigands have overrun Ojoto, we need Gov Obiano intervention”, Mbamalu has desecrated our customs and traditions, he must go!”
They also accused Mbamalu of publicly unmasking a masquerade at the village square, invading a burial ceremony and chasing the mourners and sympathizers away.
The protesters also accused the monarch of carting away the food and drinks and visiting the scene of suicide where someone hung himself where he removed the remains, against tradition that forbids him from seeing such or going there.
They said he equally set up a special task force squad who goes about exacting his wish on citizens of the community against their wishes.
Describing themselves as custodians of Ojoto customs and tradition, the elders and traditionalists insisted that Igwe Mbamalu underwent a cleansing process to forestall calamitous events on Ojoto families, lives and property.
When contacted through phone, Mbamalu who spoke through Chief Romeo Anyisia, his spokesman described the protest march as a non-issue carried out by inconsequential persons.
“No one of relevance in the affairs of Ojoto was in the Awka charade and therefore should be ignored completely,” he said.
