The Imeobi Okuzu, comprising indigenes of Okuzu village in Oba, Idemili South LGA of Anambra State, has upheld the December 21, 2024, election conducted by the Oba Patriotic Union (OPU), which produced Engineer Augustine Emelobe as the Eze Okpoko II of Oba.
Addressing the press in Oba, the group’s Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Mbadiegwu, read a resolution signed by its Chairman, Mr. Chuks Oragwam, affirming that the election followed due legal and constitutional procedures as outlined in the Igwe and Eze Okpoko of Oba Constitution, 1999.
The Imeobi Okuzu insisted that the people’s mandate, expressed through their votes and affirmed by the Returning Officer’s declaration of Emelobe as Igwe-elect, must stand. They dismissed calls for a fresh election, stating that there is no legal or constitutional basis for such a move.
According to the group, Emelobe has already received the Certificate of Return, the traditional Ofo, and the Igwe’s Crown from the Oba kingmakers. Any attempt to repeat these processes, they warned, would amount to desecrating Oba’s cultural heritage, with serious consequences.
They further rejected suggestions for another Igweship primary or final election, warning that such actions could lead to chaos and a breakdown of law and order in the community.
Addressing concerns about election observers, the Imeobi Okuzu clarified that while their presence might have been desirable, it was not a legal requirement. They emphasized that the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs had already approved the election date shift from December 19 to December 21, 2024, to allow civil servants to participate, making claims of invalidation baseless.
The group called on all well-meaning Oba indigenes to rally behind the OPU and the Igwe-elect to uphold the people’s mandate and preserve Oba’s traditions.
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