By Vincent Ujumadu

Tension is brewing in Nri, an ancient community in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, widely regarded as the ancestral home of the Igbo people, as a long-standing kingship dispute deepens between its two major quarters.

The ongoing tussle involves Agukwu Nri and Akamkpisi Nri, both locked in a prolonged battle for traditional leadership of the town. The dispute has escalated to the point where both quarters have separately approached the Ministry of Local Government and Town Union Affairs, seeking recognition as autonomous communities with their own traditional rulers.

Confirming the development, the Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government and Town Union Affairs, Chief Tony Collins Nwabunwane, acknowledged the existence of the crisis, assuring that the government is actively working toward a peaceful resolution.

“The state government is aware of the chieftaincy dispute in Nri. We are in touch with both parties and are committed to resolving the matter through dialogue,” the Commissioner said.

In a separate address to journalists in Nri, a custodian of Igbo tradition, Ezeoba Ramas Asuzu, from the Ikenga quarters, lamented the prolonged nature of the crisis, which he said dates back over 50 years and is still pending in court.

“This crisis began decades ago. Unfortunately, during Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju’s administration, documents were signed approving two traditional rulers—one for Ogbumuo and another for Eze Onyeso. However, our people from Ikenga Nri failed to collect their certificate,” he explained.

Ezeoba Asuzu further clarified the historical structure of the Nri community, stating that it consists of two distinct sections: Agukwu Nri and Ikenga Nri. According to him, the two have not functioned as a unified community for thousands of years.

“Agukwu people were the last settlers from Aguleri. Before their arrival, the area was originally occupied by Akamkpisi Aniodo, Akamkpisi Ekwenayika, and Akamkpisi Idiodo. Agukwu Nri comprises Uruoji, Agbadani, and Obeagu, all of Aguleri origin,” he said.

He added that each faction has historically had its own traditional leadership. While the late Eze Onyeso led the Agukwu Nri group, Ogbumuo ruled over Akamkpisi.

“We do not recognize Agukwu Nri’s kingship. We operate independently. Now, we hear that Agukwu has selected Chukwudi Nwokoye through divination as their new king, but followers of the late Eze Onyeso have rejected his selection.”

As the tension grows, calls for dialogue and intervention by traditional and state authorities continue to mount to prevent further division in this historically significant Igbo community.