Okey Maduforo, Awka
The contest for the substantive traditional ruler of Ikenga Community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has taken a controversial turn following allegations of certificate forgery against one of the contestants, Nze Nonso Ezeokafor.
The alleged forgery involves a West African Examination Council (WAEC) O-Level certificate that reportedly belongs to one Agnes Ogboji. According to sources, Nze Nonso Ezeokafor is accused of affixing his passport photograph to another person’s statement of result, a discovery made by the community’s Selection Committee.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Town Union Affairs, Chief Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, reportedly invited WAEC officials to verify the authenticity of the certificate. WAEC officials confirmed that the certificate was indeed forged.
During a meeting at the Commissioner’s office, Ezeokafor allegedly admitted to the forgery, announced his withdrawal from the race, and was subsequently disqualified.
In a letter signed by the Selection Committee Chairman, Ichie Wilfred Muojekwu, and Secretary, Mr. Onwudebe John Paul, titled “Outcome of Our Meeting So Far”, the committee stated:
“After verification of all the candidates’ curriculum vitae by the committee, it was discovered that Nze Chukwunonso Ezeokafor’s WAEC result was not valid, and he was disqualified.”
The letter also disclosed that the three remaining candidates—Nze Obinna Ezenwanne, Nze Okwudili Dim, and Mr. Obinna Okoye—were cleared to contest for the Igwe Ikenga stool based on the validity of their WAEC certificates.
It further stated:
“All the candidates’ CVs were accompanied by a sworn affidavit and an undertaking that if any of the information supplied is found to be false, they would be disqualified.”
Despite this resolution, the Anambra State Government reportedly directed that only candidates with valid certificates be allowed to contest, causing the contest to linger for over a year.
Reacting to the forgery allegations, Chief Tony Collins Nwabunwanne confirmed that Ezeokafor had forged a WAEC certificate but challenged the community to provide evidence of a second forgery. He assured that if further forgery was proven, Ezeokafor would be disqualified.
However, the controversy deepened as Ezeokafor allegedly presented yet another certificate and renewed his interest in the race, igniting tensions within the community.
Speaking to reporters, a community leader
