Constitutional crisis looms in Anambra community as group, others seek Soludo’s intervention

By Praise Chinecherem

Custodian of Culture and Tradition of Ojoto Town in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State known as Otu Omenani Ojoto Akanasato and pressure group known as the G-24 have called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to forstal imminent breakdown of law and order allegedly caused by leadership of the town following alleged non-adherence to Constitution of Ojoto Akanasato Union.

The group made the appeal during a joint meeting of the Otu Omenani Ojoto Akanasato, G-24 and Umuokpu held at the residence of the Chairman of the Otu Omenani, Chief Anthony Uzoekwe popularly known as Nnanyelu Ofor 1 of Ojoto.

The Otu Omenani had earlier written an open letter to the people of Ojoto on the recent development in the town and why they took the community’s leadership under HRM Igwe Gerald Mbamalu to court, highlighting eight points which is against the Reviewed Constitution of Ojoto Akanasato Union (OAU) Ojoto.

The G-24 had in a response and letter to the Governor dated December 15, 2023 highlighted 14 points negating the Ojoto tradition, culture, norms and constitution such as closing down of Pentecostal churches in the community, desecration of God’s altar, high level of criminal activities, Ofalla Festival and selling of Ichie and Chieftaincy titles, among others.

The group had held a peaceful protest at the Local Government Secretariat, bearing placards with inscriptions such as, “We say no to lawlessness in Ojoto”, “Our Constitution must be obeyed in our town Ojoto,” among others.

Speaking to reporters, Chairman of Otu Omenani, Chief Dr. Anthony Uzoekwe alleged failure of present leadership of the community to follow guidelines and tenets of the Constitution.

He said, “Ojoto community has a constitution in place but the present leadership has failed to follow its guidelines and tenets which could lead to chaos and anarchy in the community.

“The present traditional ruler of the community led by Igwe Gerald Mbamalu has not followed the process of conferrment of Chieftaincy titles.

“The rules stipulated that not more than five persons should be conferred with the Chieftaincy title and other activities which goes against the laws of Ojoto constitution.

“We call on Anambra State Government to look into our predicament and ensure the right thing is done by the present leadership.”

On his part, Chairman of G-24 Ojoto, Onyedika Offor said the group has taken note of the happenings in the town which is not in line with her constitution.

He stated that the group deemed it right to escalate the issue to authorities in the state and beyond towards finding lasting solution to the impasse.

Vice-chairperson of Umuokpu, Justina Osuno, while corroborating the views of the G-24, called on the leadership of the community to follow the constitution of the land and ensure equity, fairness and good governance in their leadership style.

Efforts to reach President General of the town, Chief Donatus Anozie to react to the development was unfruitful as his line was unavailable.