Indigenes of the Oba community of Anambra State in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean have appealed to the State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to recognise the new traditional ruler of the community.
The indigenes, under the aegis of the Oba Progressive Union (OPU), appealed to the Governor to recognise the new Igwe, in the person of HRM Igwe Augustine Emelobe, who, according to them, emerged through the will of the people.
The letter read in part, “We have carefully followed and analysed the protracted process of selecting a new Igwe for our town since our late Eze Okpoko I went to be with his ancestors six years ago.
“Our town is exhausted, and we have long awaited this opportunity to move forward with a new leader. After years of ups and downs, we have finally arrived at two qualified candidates who met our town’s constitutional requirements. All nine villages of our entire community came together and conducted an open and transparent election for the two candidates on Saturday, 21st December 2024. This election date was agreed upon between Commissioner Collins Nwabunwanne and our town’s President General, Engineer Uzor Ejiofor, on 17th December 2024.
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Our town unanimously voted and agreed on the election date. Engineer Augustine Chinedu Emelobe won the election with 1,143 votes, while his opponent secured 26 votes. The overwhelming support for Engineer Emelobe is difficult to ignore.
“Our town is eager to bring this long-drawn-out process to an immediate end. We humbly ask your administration to please review the election results, videos, and all relevant documents to confirm the validity of this election. Our members are eager to bring serious economic development to Oba and Anambra State in general.”
Pointing out threats of violence in the community, the group narrated efforts it has made to address the challenges.
It stated, “Our organisation, upon hearing the horrible news about the burning down of the Oba Civic Centre and the Nigerian Police post by some hoodlums last September, immediately raised funds and started the rebuilding of these burnt-down facilities.
“In addition, we recently rebuilt the Oba Community Health Centre with solar-powered 24-hour electricity, a new solar-powered borehole, clean water, brand new roofs for all the health centre buildings, German floors for the entire compound, and many more.
“Our members are eager to work with your administration and our new Igwe to coordinate significant foreign investments and technology transfer into our dear state.
“Your Excellency, we humbly ask that you hear the cry of our people and grant us this request for the progress and peace of our community and Anambra State by helping us to finalise the election of a new Eze Okpoko II of Oba.
“The Oba people have spoken and have made their choice through their votes on the next Igwe for our town. We eagerly await your urgent response,” the statement concluded.