Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne has dismissed speculation that Dr Oforbuike Ezeoke has been replaced with Dr Afam Ezeoke as the traditional ruler of Amichi Community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra.
Addressing stakeholders from the community during a reconciliatory meeting, the Commissioner disclosed that Oforbuike remains the recognized monarch from the community.
He noted that there was a stipulated procedure an individual must pass to become a legitimate traditional ruler of any autonomous community in the State.
He described the procedure as a bottom up process which according to him, starts with agreement or selection of an individual to become a traditional ruler of a community by all the community members and through their town union presented the agreed or selected individual as Igwe-elect, to the local government authority who in turn present the same person to the state government for issuance of Certificate of recognition.
According to him, Dr Ofobuike Ezeoke was certified and still recognised by Anambra State Government as the traditional ruler of the community.
The Commissioner, also urged Prince Afam to stop parading himself as the Igwe of Amichi. He equally advised the stakeholders to go home and make peace among themselves and together with the town union look into the constitution of their community, as that according to him, will enable them take appropriate decisions towards resolution of the issue for a lasting solution in the community.
Responding, the President General of the community Mr Cletus Udebuani Igbokwe commended the commissioner for handling the Igweship conflict professionally and devoid of any element of bias promised to be neutral as advise by the commissioner.
Also the embattled traditional ruler of the community, HRH Igwe Dr Oforbike in his own speech, thanked Mr Commissioner for his wise counsel and promised to adhere to the commissioner’s advise. He equally pledged to put in his best and reconcile with his brother and all the members of the community for peace, stability and progress to return to the community.
The acclaimed Igwe elect, Dr Afam Ezeoke who was also present in the meeting thanked the commissioner.
