Igweship Crisis: Oba Indigenes Advised to Remain Calm, Law Abiding over Monarch-Elect Travail

By Our Reporter

Indigenes of Oba community in Idemili South LGA Anambra State have been advised to remain calm, peaceful and law abiding over the controversy trailing the election of Augustine Emelobe as the new traditional ruler of the town, Eze Okpoko 11 of Oba.

The appeal was made in a statement issued from the monarch-elect’s media aide on Sunday, January 19, 2025 in reaction to a police invitation to the monarch and other town union leaders from the AIG Zone 13 Police Headquarters, Ukpo, Anambra.

AnambraDaily gathered that the police summoned the newly elected traditional ruler, HRM Igwe Augustine Emelobe, the President General Oba Patriotic Union (OPU) Chief Anthony Ejiofor and six (6) others to appear before the police authorities on Tuesday over a case of “Conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, threat to life and unrest” preferred against them.

The press statement from the traditional ruler-elect had described the police invitation as a distraction, it expressed optimism that the clandestine plots of the enemies of progress in Oba community would soon fizzle out.

While declaring support for the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration, the embattled monarch-elect reaffirmed that Oba people would work with the governor to bring the much expected development to the community.

The statement read: “The people of Oba have spoken in their choice of a traditional ruler in the person of HRM Igwe Augustine Emelobe and the mandate is not only sacrosanct but shall continue to speak loudly by demolishing and deflating all onslaught and obstacles put in its way.

“We wish to state clearly that the said ‘petition’ and the fictitious charges already being labelled against the traditional ruler, the town union leader and some stakeholders in Oba , is actually the handiwork of those who have vowed to ensure that peace takes flight from Oba. They are those who want to continue to prosper in the old order without assimilating the stark reality that a new order has taken effect in Oba”.

“They have refused to accept the shame of defeat and in their warped mindset, they think they can throw away the mandate of ndi Oba who have collectively elected their traditional ruler.The police invitation is a distraction but we are not bothered because it is just a matter of time for all the clandestine plots of the enemies of progress in Oba to fall like a pack of badly arranged cards.”

“We commend Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo and his administration’s determination to enthrone peace and development across all communities in Anambra. The people of Oba are solidly behind the Governor and will support the working Governor for the much expected development of Oba.

“The police by mentioning these names among those sought for at Zone 13 Ukpo, has indirectly invited the whole of Oba people for questioning. Oba people shall honour the invitation and shall come back home triumphant.

“HRM Igwe (Engr) Augustine C. Emelobe , the Eze Okpoko11 of Oba, remains committed to his pledge in discharging his duties in good conscience and in line with constitution of the town , protecting and preserving the culture and traditions of Oba people, assisting in maintaining peace , law and order in Oba while attracting development projects that will enhance the economy of Oba and create employment and training opportunities for Oba youths. The vision is clear and will be pursued with utmost vigour and zeal despite the temporary distraction. Oba people have spoken and their voice shall continue to resonate far and wide at all times” the statement noted.