By Okey Maduforo
The contest for the position of a substantive Traditional Ruler in Ikenga Community, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, has escalated amidst allegations of irregularities involving the Office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Town Union Affairs.
At the center of the controversy is Nze Nonso Ezeokafor, accused of forging his West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate. Despite these allegations, he has been cleared to participate in the upcoming election.
Responding to the allegations, Ezeokafor dismissed the claims of forgery, asserting that the Anambra State Government had not disqualified him and that the people of Ikenga have accepted the government’s position on the December 31st election.
Ezeokafor’s Position:
“The people have accepted the verdict of our dear governor on the modalities of our election to ensure a smooth transition of power,” Ezeokafor said. He also addressed the disqualification of other aspirants, stating:
Obinna Ezenwanne and Obinna Okoye were disqualified for failing to resign from their civil service roles three months before the election, as stipulated by the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law.
His own initial disqualification was an error by the Igwe Selection Committee.
Anselm Dim was disqualified on two grounds: not owning a house as required by the Ikenga Town Constitution and not residing within Anambra State, as mandated by the Traditional Rulers Law.
Ezeokafor added that the town’s Executive Council had approached Governor Charles Soludo for a resolution, leading to the governor’s suggestion to restart the process to avoid leaving the stool vacant.
Accusations Against the Commissioner
Meanwhile, the Office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Town Union Affairs has been accused of inconsistently disqualifying and later clearing two civil servant aspirants for the same throne.
Commissioner’s Response
Chief Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, the Commissioner for Local Government and Town Union Affairs, denied the allegations, emphasizing that the Anambra State Government remains neutral in the selection process. He clarified that Nze Nonso Ezeokafor remains eligible to contest unless a fresh, substantive allegation is proven against him.
Concern from the Community
Comrade Chukwuma Okafor, spokesperson for the Concerned Ikenga Citizens, expressed alarm over the protracted crisis, warning that it could destabilize the community. He criticized the government for disqualifying two civil servant contestants, which he argued contravenes the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law.
Quoting Section 4(d) of the Traditional Rulers Law, Part II, Okafor explained:
“The Governor shall not recognize any person as Traditional Ruler of a town or community unless satisfied that such person is not a full-time public servant in the public service of the state.”
He added, “The law does not disqualify civil servants from contesting but mandates that they resign or retire before being recognized as Igwe.”
Okafor called on the Anambra State Government to expedite the election process to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
