By Nwabueze Okonkwo

ONITSHA – The Imeobi Okuzu, a body of indigenes from Okuzu village in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has called on the state government and the general public to recognize Engr. Augustine Emelobe as the authentic winner of the December 21, 2024, Igweship election conducted by the Oba Patriotic Union (OPU).

The group insisted that Emelobe was duly elected as the new traditional ruler and Eze Okpoko II of Oba in a free, fair, and transparent process, making his mandate sacrosanct.

In a press statement issued in Oba, Imeobi Okuzu Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Mbadiegwu, who read the resolutions signed by Chairman, Chuks Oragwam, affirmed that after reviewing the Oba Igweship selection process, it was evident that the December 21 election complied with the Constitution of Igwe and Eze Okpoko of Oba (1999) and due process of law.

The group emphasized that the will of the people, as expressed through their votes, must prevail, and there is no legal or constitutional basis for a repeat election, as some factions are allegedly advocating.

Imeobi Okuzu further disclosed that Engr. A.C. Emelobe has already been presented with the Certificate of Return, the traditional Ofo, and the Crown of Igwe and Eze Okpoko of Oba by the Oba kingmakers. They warned that any attempt to repeat these processes would amount to a grievous desecration of the culture, customs, and traditions of Oba people, which could attract serious consequences.

Rejecting calls for a fresh Igweship primary or final election, the group maintained that any such move would only lead to chaos and a breakdown of law and order in Oba.

While acknowledging that the presence of election observers may have been desirable, the group stated that it was not a legal or constitutional requirement. They noted that the failure of the State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs to send observers does not invalidate the election.

“The election was approved by the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and rescheduled from December 19 to December 21, 2024, to allow civil servants to participate. The absence of state-appointed observers cannot be used as an excuse to nullify the process,” the statement read.

Imeobi Okuzu urged the Anambra State Government and all well-meaning people of Oba to rally behind the OPU and the Igwe-elect, ensuring that the mandate of Oba people and the sanctity of their culture, customs, and traditions are upheld.