Anambra Govt Intervenes In Akaeze Ogbunike Dispute In Oyi LGA
Insists That Akaeze Remains The Traditional Ruler’s Confidant And Prime Minister
Written by Nneka Anoliefo
Awka November 10th, 2022.
Anambra State government has waded into Akaeze title dispute in Ogbunike town, Oyi local government Area.
Government also insisted that Akaeze title holder in the town remains the traditional ruler’s Confidant and Prime Minister.
The state Commissioner for Local Government Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr Collins Nwabunwanne, who stood in for state government made the assertion in his office at the Government House, Awka, during a Reconciliatory Meeting to settle disputes among some Red Cap Chiefs from Ogbunike, in Oyi Council Area.
After carefully listening to the two groups, Ogbunike vs Chief Anene Osadebe group on the issue at stake, the Commissioner directed that the position of Akaeze title should return to Osile village as it has been since time immemorial for peace and stability.
He gathered from both sides that they have been legacies in the town as regards titles holders, just as they posited that title of Akajiani remains with Ukalor village, Akaeze title remains with Osile village, Ichele with Azu village, Ekwueme, Umueri village, Ojielo, Amawa village, and Njiko with ifite village.
Having identified the villages with their title holders from time immemorial, Commissioner Nwabunwanne reminded them that it will become a calamity to change the existing laws and tradition, therefore, they should maintain Statues quo.
He pleaded with Chief Anene who is from ifite village to allow Akaeze title remain with Osile to maintain statues quo for the sake of peace
He called on the Chiefs not to discriminate against Chief Anene Osadebe and group, but to carry them along in their meetings to restore lasting peace in the town.
The Commissioner warned that any meeting held without involving Chief Anene Osadebe and his group stands cancelled by the government.
He explained to the two factions that when they elect another traditional ruler, he would then select his Akaeze who becomes his confidant.
Responding, the President of Ndi Ogbuefi, Chief Nwafor Onyezie, Chief Goddy Ibekwe, Chief Christopher Onwuka, Chief Dr Aniweta Onunkwo and Chief Chinedu Onyekwuluje explained that the late traditional ruler, Igwe John Umenyilora, gave the Akaeze title to Chief Anene Osadebe when he was alive as a result of land dispute he was having then with the people of Osile village.
Chief Anene Osadebe and Chief Charles Mbanefo among others in their group, stated that the late traditional ruler, gave the Akaeze title to Chief Anene Osadebe, on 28th September, 2019, in the presence of five recognized traditional rulers in the state.
Chief Anene Osadebe hinted that the procedure for selection demands the six villages to send four names each to the traditional ruler to decide, but Osile insisted that they will select their choice Akaeze candidate and present to the igwe.
Chief Anene stated categorically that the traditional ruler has prerogative right to make his choice of candidate for Akaeze from the names submitted to him, as the Akaeze remains his Personal Assistant and Prime Minister ( MOI)
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