By Our Correspondent
Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo has reaffirmed that he remains the traditional ruler of Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, despite claims to the contrary.
Nwankwo was dethroned by former Governor Willie Obiano in 2022 for accompanying oil magnate, Chief Arthur Eze, to visit ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. He challenged his removal in court, describing it as an infringement on his rights.
On Friday, the monarch dismissed as false reports that his rival, Mr. Daniel Obelle, secured a stay of execution against the 2022 ruling that nullified Obelle’s recognition as Igwe. He described the claim, repeated by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, as “a blatant lie.”
Citing a judgment by Justice Peace N.T. Otti of the Anambra State High Court, Awka, delivered on June 21, 2022, Nwankwo presented certified true copies showing that the court set aside Obelle’s certificate of recognition, barred government from issuing another, and condemned Obiano’s last-minute action in favour of Obelle as “mischievous, irresponsible and in bad faith.”
He stressed that Obelle was never a party to the suit and therefore could not have secured any stay of execution. “Let him show us the order he claims to have,” Nwankwo said, challenging his rival to a public debate where both would present verifiable documents.
Nwankwo, who succeeded his late father after his assassination in 2000, urged Nawfia indigenes to disregard false claims and remain calm, assuring that the law is on his side.
“Truth will always prevail, and justice will stand, no matter how long it takes,” he declared.
