New Yam: Soludo warned of crisis as leadership tussle threatens peace in Nanka
Human interest
By Ifeizu Joe
Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has been warned to take steps to avert crisis in Nanka community, as stakeholders gear for war this weekend, at the community’s new yam festival celebration.
Nanka community in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state has been plagued with various crisis in most of the villages that make up the town.
Some indigenes of Agbiligba, a village in Nanka urged Soludo to act fast to avert bloodshed. This is as the indigenes accused some influential persons in the community of plot to enthrone a leader for Ozor title holders without due process.
The Legal adviser Nze na Ozor group of Agbiligba village, Nze Chinedu Ezeozue and other title chiefs in Agbiligba who addressed journalists on Thursday said there is impending crisis on Friday and Saturday, during the new yam celebration, except the governor intervened.
Ezeozue told journalists: “During our new yam festival of 2023, which comes up on 18 and 19 August, the tradition is that Isi Nze, the leader of Nze na Ozor title holders will pick yam after some rites by the traditional ruler, but a former lawmaker, Hon Okwudili Ezenwankwor is working to install his uncle, David Ezenwankwor as Isi Nze. If they try this, they will be crisis, and we are calling on our governor to avert this.”
Ezeozue read out a letter submitted to the governor on the matter, saying that the village has vowed to oppose any move to legitimize Ezenwankwor as Isi Nze.
Part of their letter to Governor Soludo read: “Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwor, former Member of House of Representatives, has been using HRH Igwe Godwin Ogochukwu Ezeilo to desecrate and destroy the traditional laws, customs, culture and tradition of Nanka community.
“This is likely to lead to breakdown of law, order and public peace during our new yam festival on 18 and 19 August 2023.”
Ezeozue stated that the plot to foist Chief David Ezenwankwor as Isi Nze started in 2021 during their new yam festival, but the plot was stoutly resisted, to the point of almost bringing shame on the community before her guests, including a then governorship candidate, Mr Valentine Ozigbo.
“We resisted it and they stayed low. Last year, we did not hold new yam festival in deference to our PG was killed by gunmen. This year, our new yam festival is coming up, and they are making plans to enthrone Ezenwankwor as Isi Nze, but this would lead to crisis. That is why we are calling on Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo to intervene.”
Several attempts to reach Hon Okwudili Ezenwankwor on his mobile phone for reaction on the accusation that he is one of those fueling the crisis was not successful. The President General of the community, Mr Ifeanyi Ezike however said that there are steps already to resolve the crisis.
Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Matters, Hon Tony Collins Nwabunwanne who spoke on behalf of government stated that Soludo’s government has resolved many crisis in various communities, and would do same in Nanka.
