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By Madu Obi
Tension is mounting in Nawfia, Njikoka local government area of Anambra State as two rival traditional rulers in the town organize separate New Yam festival in the area.
Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, who was among the 12 traditional rulers suspended by former Governor Willie Obiano for visiting former President Muhammadu Buhari without clearance from the state government, had earlier performed the New Yam festival.
He had earlier obtained a court order stoping Chief Daniel Obele who was appointed by Obiano, from parading himself as the traditional ruler of Nawfia.
But Obele has fixed another New Yam festival one week after Igwe Nwankwo held his, despite the court order against him.
Reacting to the development, the Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Matters, Hon. Collins Nwabunwanne said the state government would brief security operatives on the issue of the court order before Friday this week and urged the people of Nawfia to remain calm as government is on top of the situation.
Obele could not be reached on Tuesday, but Nwankwo, who reacted, pleaded with the state government and security agencies to enforce law and order in the community.
He recalled that Justice Peace Otti of the State High Court, Awka, had on June 21, 2022, made an order that all parties to the Nawfia community Igweship tussle should return to the status quo ante, pending the determination of the substantive suit.
He said: "What the ruling of the Anambra State High Court means is that Dan Obele or anyone else cannot parade as the traditional ruler, Eze or Igwe of Nawfia and that I am the reigning traditional ruler of Nawfia because nobody has appealed that ruling of the court, and, there is no order for stay of execution of the order."
Nwankwo, it should also be recalled, had filed a suit in the court challenging his dethronement by former Governor Willie Obiano
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