By TONY OKAFOR, AWKA
A deep-seated rift has emerged between President General of Ihiala,Okey Ohagba,
and the community’s traditional ruler, Igwe Thomas Obidiegwu (Oluoha) due to differing political allegiances.
The PG backs the Labour Party, while Igwe Obidiegwu and many community leaders support the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the state’s ruling party.
At a Sunday press conference in Awka, Igwe Obidiegwu and community leaders accused the PG of high-handedness and usurping the monarch’s powers.
The traditional ruler credited his calm disposition for preventing a crisis in the community.
The community denied the PG’s allegations of striking a deal with non-state actors in Orsu, Imo State, in 2023.
Instead, they said they had a meeting during the period to reinforce the community’s vigilante group and construct gates across village boundaries, raising over N100 million for security activities handled by the PG.
The crisis, it was gathered,l is fueled by the upcoming senatorial by-election to replace the late Ifeanyi Ubah.
While the PG-led group supports a Labour Party aspirant, the Igwe Obidiegwu’s faction backs an APGA aspirant in the House of Representatives.
The community has petitioned Governor Chukwuma Soludo over the N100 million matter and other alleged infractions by the PG.
Ihiala, once plagued by kidnappings and other crimes, has seen significant security improvements thanks to Governor Soludo’s efforts.
Igwe Obidiegwu acknowledged this during the press conference, expressing gratitude for the governor’s proactive measures.
