Oba Igweship:Cheers and Boo As More Okuzu Sons Join EzeOkpoko II Race
.. Okuzu Akanato Elects Electoral Officer
By Uzo Ugwunze
As Oba community begins afresh the process of searching for who will occupy the revered throne of Oba as the EzeOkpoko II after the former selection/election process with its dismal show that lasted for years was jettisoned by the new town union administration led by Mr Uzo Ejiofor with the claims that the process did not adhere to the constitution, more Okuzu Akanato sons have declared interest for the Igweship race amidst cheers and boo.
The Okuzu sons declared their interest to contest for the EzeOkpoko II during a crucial meeting which held recently at Okuzu hall where Mr. Chinonye Ononye emerged winner as the Okuzu Akanato Igweship selection/election Electoral Officer with 177 votes over Mr. Nonso Anigbogu who polled 14 votes.
In his address, President, Okuzu Akanato, Rev Uche Ukadike Ibeabuchi said that although a lot of people were very displeased that for over 4 years the former Oba community general Igweship selection/election process led by Dr. Emelummadu could not produce or declare an Igwe-Elect but for the interest of peace and unity of Oba town, the Okuzu Akanato people would follow the new directive, provided it was according to the Oba Constitution.
Rev Ibeabuchi pledged that under his watch as the President, Okuzu Improvement Union (OIU)duely elected for a second tenure he would ensure that the Okuzu Igweship selection/election committee which comprises of the Electoral Officer, OIU excos, all the Kindred Chairmen and Secretaries with three other members from each kindred, adhere strictly to the requirements of the Oba constitution.
"We are told that we are starting all over again the Igweship selection/election process which we are here today to comply with but they have not given us the report of the first committee before telling us that it has been cancelled. We are still waiting for that report and doing what they asked us to do.
"We must pursue peace. We must select a credible and loving candidate who the villagers want. A person who will protect our interest. All the contestants must know that it is not a do or die affair. Let love lead," Ibeabuchi said.
The four sons of Okuzu Akanato who declared interest afresh to contest for Oba Igweship include; Chief Samuel Odinammadu, Nze Ikechukwu Abafor, Sir Samuel Okwuora Mmaduakonam and Mr. Chiedu Augustine Emelobe.
The ovation was high when the trio of Chief Samuel Odinammadu, Nze Ikechukwu Abafor and Sir Okwuora Mmaduakonam came out to briefly address the OIU general assembly concerning their Igweship aspirations and manisfesto early enough.
However, the introduction of Mr Chiedu Emelobe who arrived later at the venue for the crucial meeting to make his own speech met stiff resistance from majority of the youths who were shouting at Mr Emelobe, booing and protesting that they do not want to hear anything he has to say, accusing him of high handedness, brutality and intimidation with security agencies.
The four aspirants eventually pleaded for the support of Okuzu people. As Chief Odinammadu and Chief Emelobe in their separate speeches said that they would use their connections to attract infrastructural development and youth employment and empowerment which includes floating skill acquisition programs. Nze Abafor stressed on the need to select a practicing traditionalist as the EzeOkpoko II.
Earlier in his remarks, Chief Ben Chibueze thanked the OIU executives for their promptness and doggedness to ensure that Okuzu villages and people were not denied any right, privilege or opportunity, praying that Okuzu people must remain united in truth until they get what they desire.
According to the Oba Youth President, Ebuka Chibueze, "Since the first Oba Igwe Election/Selection process could not work, the second process is likely to fail until Oba people decides to stand and uphold the truth without any form of guile or sentiments. All I know is that the Oba youths will not be used as thugs or agents of violence or disunity. Oba people should allow Okuzu village to make their own choice of who will be their candidate for Igweship selection/election without interference."
Reacting to the hellacious hullabaloo that ensued when Mr Chiedu Emelobe was introduced to address OIU general meeting, Mr Okwudili Ejiofor said that it was good to be good to people especially one's relatives irrespective of one's status, wealth or qualifications so that you can benefit from them when the need arises.
Contributing, The Deputy Chairman Idemili South LGA, Mr Ebuka Smart said that the noise was instigated by some aggrieved persons who have personal dislike for the candidate and not a general representation of the entire Okuzu people.
* Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
Odinammadu Redeclares Interest For Oba Igweship, Seeks Support of Okuzu Akanato, Others
By Uzo Ugwunze
Chief Samuel Odinammadu, one of the top candidates for the prestigious throne, EzeOkpoko II of Oba has redeclared his interest afresh to contest for the Igweship of Oba community, saying that he is ever ready to dedicate his life for the betterment of his beloved community.
Speaking during a crucial general meeting held by Okuzu Improvement Union (OIU) at Okuzu hall Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Chief Odinammadu said that although he went through the first Igweship selection/election process which was inconclusive and declared cancelled without satisfactory explanations, he is still willing to serve his community as traditional ruler if given the opportunity.
Chiief Odinamadu, an astute business man and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of SKC Properties Ltd, SKC Oil and Gas services said that he is willing and capable of working with Oba people to overcome challenges facing the community from lack of adequate infrastructure, youth unemployment, healthcare deficiency, to educational shortcomings.
"My fellow people of Okuzu village, Oba, I stand before you today with a humble heart and bold vision, not as a mere individual but as a servant leader who is ready to dedicate his life to the betterment of our beloved community, Oba.
"I am aware of the challenges that face us as a people but I believe that together we can overcome these obstacles and build a stronger and more prosperous Oba Community.
"I am not seeking the throne out of desire for power or personal glory but because I believe that I have the skills, dedication and the passion to lead Oba community toward a brighter future."
According to him, I have lived among you, worked with you and listened to your voices . I understand your hopes and fears and I'm committed to serving you with intergity, honesty and compassion if given the opportunity to become your traditional ruler.
He promised to prioritize the needs of his community above all else, work tirelessly to improve the infrastructure, create job opportunity for youths and ensure that every member of the community has access to quality healthcare and education.
"I will listen to you. I will be accessible, a king committed to listening and addressing your concerns to the best of my ability.
"I humbly ask for your support and trust as I embark on this journey to become the EzeOkpoko II of our great community Oba. Together we can build a community that is bright, which thrives and prospers for us today and for the future generations to come," Odinammadu said.
A Youth Commander from Okuzu mbana village, Okwudili Ejiofor described Chief Odinammadu as a philanthropist who has touched the lives of many through his acts of charity, saying that his scholarship programmes have been of immense benefit to several underprivileged desirous of getting a good education.
"Ikeora is the man of the people. He has been conferred with prestigious traditional titles in Igbo land like Mmiri oma na ezoruora of Abagana, Ikeora Oba, Ikeora idemili. He has also been decorated with numerous national and international awards.The most treasured is Exemplary Performance Medal by Rwandan President, Paul Kagame," he said.
*Uzo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
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