By Chukwudum Ebele
The custodian of Culture and Tradition of Ojoto Community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, known as Otu Omenani Ojoto Akanasato and G-24 Group, has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene and restore sanity in the community.
The group specifically called on the governor to address the alleged acts of lawlessness and impunity by the community's Monarch, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu.
In a letter dated January 11,
2024, addressed to Governor Soludo and endorsed by Chief Anthony Uzoekwe
(Chairman, Otu Omenani Ojoto Akanasato), Innocent Okoye (Secretary), Mr.
Onyedika Offor (Chairman, G-24 Ojoto), and Joe Okechukwu (Secretary), with the
caption: "FLAGRANT DISOBEDIENCE OF ANAMBRA STATE TRADITIONAL RULERS LAW,
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TRADITIONAL RULERS AND CONSTITUTION OF OJOTO AKANASATO
UNION IN CONFERRING CHIEFTAINCY TITLES FOR PECUNIARY AND POLITICAL INTEREST BY
HRH IGWE GERALD OBUNADIKE MBAMALU, IGWE OF OJOTO," the group requested the
governor to establish a high-level panel of inquiry to investigate the alleged
atrocities, lawlessness, and abominations committed by the Monarch. If found
culpable, the group recommended that he should be sanctioned accordingly, as
provided by the Anambra State Traditional Rulers' Laws 2007 and 2020 as
amended.
The group also informed that it
had submitted petitions to the Commissioner of Police, Department of State
Service (DSS), and Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Town
Union. The concerned individuals of Ojoto and Igwe Mbamalu were invited for a
meeting, but the Monarch failed to honor the invitations, which the group described
as a total disregard and disobedience to constituted authorities.
During a press briefing on
Thursday at the Government House, Awka, following the submission of a protest
letter to the Governor's Office and that of the Commissioner for Local Government,
Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Vice-Chairman of Otu Omenani Ojoto
Akanasato, Ndubueze Michael Obi, accused the current leadership of failing to
adhere to the Constitution's guidelines.
He stated, "Ojoto
Community has a constitution in place, but the present leadership of the
community has failed to follow the guidelines of the Constitution. Some of the
irregularities of the present monarch include conferring Chieftaincy titles to
the female gender and the cutting of kolanuts by women, which is a taboo to the
rich culture and traditions of Ojoto Community."
Chairman of G-24 Ojoto,
Onyedika Offor, prayed Governor Soludo to end the acts of lawlessness and
impunity by the Monarch, which have led to the desecration of the traditions of
Ojoto land. He warned that if Igwe Mbamalu is not called to order and his
actions not guided according to the constitution, it could degenerate into
chaos and a total breakdown of law and order.
Prince Emeka Nwabunike called
on the community's leadership to follow the constitution of the land and ensure
equity, fairness, and good governance in its leadership style. He highlighted
that during his Ofala festival, the traditional ruler conferred Chieftaincy
titles to over 30 persons, contrary to the community's laws, which stipulate
that Chieftaincy titles should not exceed 9 persons.
Efforts to reach the monarch
for his reactions on the allegations were unsuccessful as his phone line was
unavailable.
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