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By Madu Obi
Elders of Agbiligba Nanka Community in Orumba North local government area of Anambra State have raised the alarm over attempts on their lives by gunmen allegedly sponsored by some political and religious leaders in the community and called on the state government, security agencies to come to their rescue.
Speaking after a meeting with the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Collins Nwabunwanne, the elders also claimed that they were openly being threatened with assassination because of their refusal to dance to the tune of the leadership in the community.
According to them, the recent murder of the Ward 1 chairman of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) Ward Chairman, late Joe Ezenwegbu, has heightened tension in the community.
Their spokesperson and legal adviser of Nze na Ozo Agbiligba Tittle Holders, Dr Chidozie Ezeozue explained that the leadership crisis rocking the community was traceable to the Ozo title in the area.
Ezeozue said: “The community is existing in two factions, with one faction being led by the traditional ruler, Igwe Ezeilo, while the other is led by us."
“The crisis started when the Igwe led-faction suggested that the Isi-Nze title that had been in existence for over 400 years should be rotational, which our faction rejected it vehemently."
Despite our rejection, they went ahead and installed one Chief David Ezewankwor as the new Isi-Nze Agbiligba Nanka without following custom and tradition of the land.
“Isi-Nze position is given based on seniority traditionally and not as political appointment and election of Isi-Nze Agbiligba Nanka must be done through it usual process."
"It is done according to seniority by ranking as Nze na Ozo title holder. Ichie David Ezewankwor is in the second rank and he cannot be Isi-Nze Agbiligba Nanka for now, even in the next 50-years."
“Isi-Nze Agbiligba Nanka is not rotational. It’s being controlled by one unit of the community. The selection of Isi-Nze position is not a political office. The tradition has been there for over 400 years."
“For peace to reign in Nanka Community, Ichie David Ezewankwor must step down from the position and allow the rightful owners, who are also his senior, in persons of Rev Fr (Prof.) Romanus Ikechukwu Moneke or Ichie Paul Ezeobi Ejimofor to mann the leadership."
"We appeal to the State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to come into Nnaka Community to checkmate the excesses. We also call on the security agencies to ensure that those behind the killing of the YPP Ward Chairman are brought to book."
The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Collins Nwabunwanne assured the elders that the government will do everything humanly possible to resolve the tussle amicably.
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