REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The people of Ndiowu community in Orumba North local government area of Anambra State have appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to ensure a lasting peace in the area by issuing certificate of return to Chief Chibuzor Okekeifi as the elected traditional ruler of the community.
They made the appeal when they marched to Government House, Awka to thank the state government for guaranteeing a level playing ground which enabled them to choose their new traditional ruler.
Spokesperson for the people and Chairman of Elders Council of Ndiowu Town, Chief Christian Nnabuife said the solidarity march was to appreciate Governor Soludo for the peaceful election and to urge him to present certificate of return to Chief Okekeifi.
He commended the Governor for restoring peace in the town and creating conducive atmosphere for the conduct of free, fair credible election that produced the monarch.
Chief Nnabuife dismissed calls by some few persons for the annulment of the election describing it as an academic exercise by some uninformed persons.
According to him, the 1990 constitution approved by state government and Aguata High court remained the authentic document guiding Ndiowu community in all their electoral process.
He described as unbecoming the involvement of women in traditional ruler’s election as being suggested by some individuals noting that there is no community in Anambra State where women are permitted to take part in selection of traditional ruler which is clearly stated in the constitution.
In an interview, the President General of Women Wing, Ndiowu town, Mrs Oby Okoli explained that women had never participated both in PG and Traditional Ruler elections noting that all they desire was peace and progress for their children and the entire town.
Also speaking, the Youth Leader, Ndiowu Town, Mr. Sunday Kanu, urged the Governor not to allow few misguided elements in the community to truncate the election that was widely accepted by the community.
Receiving the people, the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Doctor Nwabufor Nwankwo commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct, assuring them of speedy response to their request.
Doctor Nwankwo remarked that the election was no doubt monitored by the Ministry and supervised by the Chairman of Orumba North local government area even as he promised that government will review the available documents submitted with a view to ensuring lasting peace in the area.
A representative of Ndiowu in Diaspora, Chief Boka Nwajagwu who participated in the solidarity march stressed the need for the state government to issue certificate of recognition to the Igwe- Elect and appealed to those staging protests to support the newly elected monarch for the greater good and development of Ndiowu town.
Radio Nigeria correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that the protesters numbering over 500 carried placards and banners of various inscriptions while they insisted that Chief Okekeifi won the traditional ruler of Ndiowu community election held on January 12, 2026 with 506 valid votes to beat the four other contestants to the throne.
