Indigenes of Oba community in Anambra State have written to the executive governor of the state, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, asking him to, as a matter of urgency, intervene in the controversies surrounding the election of a new traditional ruler.
Under the aegis of Oba Progressive Union (OPU), they appealed to the Governor to recognize the new traditional ruler (Igwe), in the person of HRM Igwe Augustine Emelobe who emerged by the peoples’ will.
The letter read in part “We humbly request your urgent attention to the situation in our dear town Oba.
“We have carefully followed and analyzed the protracted process of selecting a new lgwe for our town since our late Eze Okpoko 1 went to be with his ancestors six years ago.
“Our town is exhausted, and we have long awaited this opportunity to move
forward with a new leader.
“After years of ups and downs, we finally arrived at two qualified candidates that met our town’s constitutional requirements. All
the nine villages of our entire community came together and
conducted an open and transparent election for the two
candidates on Saturday, December 21st, 2024. This election date was agreed upon between Commissioner Collins Nwabunwanne and our town’s President General, Engineer Uzor Ejiofor on
December 17th, 2024.
“Our town unanimously voted and agreed on the election date. Engineer Augustine Chinedu Emelobe won
the election with 1,143 votes while his opponent secured 26
votes. The overwhelming support for Engineer Emelobe is difficult to ignore.
“Our town is eager to bring this long-drawn-out process to an
immediate end. We humbly ask your administration to please
review the election results, videos, and all relevant documents to
confirm the validity of this election.
“Our members are eager to bring serious economic development to Oba and Anambra State in general.
“Pointing out threats of violence in the community, the group narrated efforts it has made to address the challenges.
It stated “Our organization, upon hearing the horrible news about the burning down of the Oba Civic Center and the Nigerian Police post by some hoodlums last September, immediately raised funds and started the rebuilding of these burnt-down facilities.
“In addition, we recently rebuilt the Oba Community Health Center with solar-powered 24-hour electricity, a new solar-powered borehole, clean water, brand new roofs for all the health centre buildings, German floors of the entire compound and many more.
“Our members are eager to work with your administration and our new Igwe to coordinate significant foreign investments and technology transfer into our dear state.
“Your Excellency, we humbly ask that you hear the cry of our people and grant us this request for the progress and peace of our community and Anambra State by helping us to finalize the election of a new Eze Okpoko Il of Oba.
“The Oba people have spoken and have made their choice through their votes on the next lgwe for our town.
“We eagerly await your urgent response”, the statement concluded.
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