By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AFTER 43 years of the death of His Royal Highness, Igwe Spencer Ugwuoke, the Enyiduru 1 of Obimo, the Obimo community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, recently resolved to elect a new Igwe.

The community made up of four quarters—Agbor, Akutara, Akpotoro, and Ikwoka, recently gathered at a town hall meeting organized by the Obimo Town Union to chart a way forward in electing a new Igwe, their traditional ruler.

It will be recalled that under the late Igwe, Obimo Community was split into three autonomous communities: Obimo, Ajuona Obimo and Eziani.

The President General, Obimo Town Union, Mr Sunday Ezike, in an address of welcome stressed the urgency of electing a new Igwe, noting that the responsibilities of the town union President General differ from those of the Igwe.

Ezike also pointed out that the absence of a traditional ruler puts the community at a disadvantage since both the town union and chieftaincy affairs fall under separate government bodies: the Department of Rural Development and Department of Chieftaincy Matters under the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters, and Rural Development.

Representatives from the four quarters shared their views on how to elect the new Igwe. Comrade Samson Ugwuoke, speaking for Agbor Quarter, suggested that the union should formally notify the Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters about the vacancy and request further guidance. This proposal gained support from Hon. Malachy Onyechi, a member of the Enugu State Assembly representing Nsukka West Constituency, and Professor Osodu Eze from Akutara Quarter.

However, Chief Patrick Ugwu of Akpotoro Quarter raised concerns about using rotation or zoning formulas in this current election of Igwe, and argued that the process should be open to all qualified candidates, and the elected Igwe should draft a constitution within three months that reflects the interests of all quarters. High Chief Titus Dike from Ikwoka Quarter backed Chief Ugwu’s position.

Meanwhile, a Royal High Chief, member Late Igwe’s Cabinet, and Senior Enugu Government official, Prof Ogbonna Sam Onyeisi, led a moment of silence in honor of the late Igwe Spencer Ugwuoke. He expressed gratitude to those who braved the rain to attend and encouraged prayers of the people of the community for divine guidance in their prepare to elect the next Igwe of Obimo.

A counselor representing Obimo/Ikwoka Ward, Hon Cordelia Odugwu, commended the successful conduct of the meeting and urged the community members to maintain this spirit of unity.

The meeting concluded with a resolution to inform the Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters about the vacant Igwe position and seek official direction on the election process.