By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

The people of Amankanu Autonomous Community in Aninri Local Government Area have elected Chief Ekenedilichukwu Ekpete as their Igwe-elect, ending more than nine years of leadership vacancy and disputes over the traditional stool.

The election, held on March 6 at the community hall, attracted a large turnout of residents from the nine villages that make up the community.

Officials from the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs supervised the exercise to ensure the process complied with established procedures.

Representing the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Mrs. Ada Nwoye, said the role of government was to facilitate the process and confirm the choice made by the community.

She emphasized that the selection of a traditional ruler remains the responsibility of the people of the community, in line with customary practices and relevant laws.

In a consensus arrangement, the nine villages in Amankanu presented Chief Ekpete as the sole candidate, after which the community formally affirmed him as Igwe-elect. The affirmation effectively ended nearly a decade of administrative and social deadlock in the community.

Following the endorsement, the Permanent Secretary directed the community leadership to complete the statutory procedures, including the formal presentation of the Igwe-elect to the Chairman of Aninri Local Government Area, Prince Ugochukwu Nwanjoku, before forwarding the required documentation to the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for approval.

Speaking after the exercise, the President-General of Amankanu Autonomous Community, Hon. Chibudom Ekpete, expressed satisfaction that the community had resolved the long-standing dispute and united behind a common choice.

He commended members of the community for their patience and cooperation throughout the process.

In his remarks, the Igwe-elect, Chief Ekenedilichukwu Ekpete, thanked the people for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work for peace, unity and development in the community.

He also appreciated the support of the Enugu State Government and the Aninri Local Government Council in ensuring that due process was followed.

According to him, the election marks a new beginning for the community.

“There is no victor and no vanquished. The people have spoken, and I owe them a lifetime of service,” he said, while calling on residents to unite for the progress of Amankanu.