Eze Uzu dispute: Awka Town Union meets Attorney General, thanks Soludo for affirming Gibson Nwosu 

The Awka Town Union Executive after a proper investigation has met with the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), at his office in Awka.

The Awka Town Union Deputy President-General, Mr. Chris Obuekwe during the meeting expressed appreciation to the state government and Governor Charles Soludo for what he described as a courageous step toward restoring peace in the community.

He noted that the resolution marks a significant breakthrough, especially as previous administrations had been unable to settle the dispute.

Obuekwe assured that the Town Union would embark on widespread sensitization to ensure compliance with the government’s directive.
He also conveyed the community’s intention to formally appreciate the governor for his intervention, expressing optimism that the decision would usher in lasting peace, unity, and stability in Awka.

Meanwhile, the state government used the meeting to formally convey its decision on the long-standing kingship dispute in the community.

The meeting featured the official presentation of the government’s white paper, outlining its final position on the protracted tussle over the traditional stool.

While presenting the document to the President-General of Awka Town Union, Mr. Frederick Chinwuba, Barr. Nweke made it clear that the government accepted Recommendation One, which affirms that Obi Gibson Nwosu is the duly recognized and incumbent traditional ruler of Awka.

He explained that the decision aligns with the rotational kingship arrangement between the Ifite and Ezi sections of Awka, as enshrined in Article 8, paragraphs B and C of the Awka Traditional Rulers’ Amended Constitution of 1986.

Providing further clarity, the Attorney General noted that the rotational system has been consistently observed. He recalled that Ayom N’Okpala quarters in Ifite produced Ezeuzu I, while Ezeuzu II emerged from the Ezi section.

He added that subsequent occupants of the stool would be selected based on seniority from designated quarters across both sections, including Nkwelle (Ifite), Ezi, Amachalla Na Ato (Ifite), Agulu (Ezi), and Ifite Awka, in strict accordance with the community’s constitution.

The white paper also confirmed the government’s acceptance of Recommendations Two and Seven, declaring that Chief Austin Ndigwe is not the traditional ruler of Awka and describing his claim to the Ezeuzu stool as unlawful.

Additionally, the government accepted Recommendations Three, Four, Five, Six, Eight, Nine, Ten, and Twelve, while rejecting Recommendation Eleven, which proposed that the government should constitute a constitutional review or amendment committee.

Barr. Nweke emphasized that such processes remain the responsibility of the community, with government only playing an advisory role.

He further disclosed that official letters communicating the government’s position have been prepared and will be transmitted to the Awka community through its President-General, alongside copies of the white paper.

A separate correspondence has also been issued to Chief Ndigwe, informing him of the decision.