Residents and stakeholders of Amichi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State have appealed to Governor Charles Soludo to urgently intervene in the lingering leadership dispute in the community, warning that continued government handling of the matter could trigger a breakdown of peace, law and order.
The appeal was contained in an open letter to the governor over the alleged actions of the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Vincent Ezeaka, in the ongoing leadership transition in Amichi.
The petitioners accused the Commissioner of attempting to recognise alternative lists for the community’s caretaker leadership despite the existence of an established constitutional process through the Amichi Development Union (ADU).
Amichi comprises four constituent quarters of Okpala, Ezeudene, Afube and Ebenasa while the ADU serves as the apex body representing the entire community.
According to the petitioners, the ADU Registered Trustees, acting in accordance with the union’s constitution and at the instance of the Commissioner convened an Emergency General Assembly attended by representatives of the four quarters, which produced a 12-member Caretaker Committee, with three representatives from each quarter.
The committee was reportedly submitted to the state government on August 21, 2026.
The petitioners expressed concern that five days later, on August 26, Commissioner Ezeaka departed from an earlier agreement and informed the Registered Trustees that he had received alternative lists from the Amichi Community Association (ACA), which they described as a minority fraction in Okpala quarter, as well as another list from the traditional ruler.
They argued that entertaining parallel lists could undermine the authority of the ADU and create competing centres of leadership in the community.
By entertaining parallel lists from Igwe Oforbuike or the ACA, Commissioner Ezeaka sets a dangerous legal precedent. If the authority of the ADU is bypassed or delegitimized, it fundamentally undermines the very mandate of HRH Igwe Oforbuike Ezeoke, whose position as traditional ruler was created and selected through the authority of the ADU. Bypassing the ADU framework calls the legitimacy of the stool into question.
The petitioners also raised concerns over the reported extension of the tenure of former President-General, Mr. Udebuani, after his tenure expired on August 6, 2026.
They alleged that the extension was granted despite unresolved allegations concerning the leasing of Eke Amichi lands and disposal of community shops without the consent or authorisation of the Registered Trustees.
The petitioners cited provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 concerning the responsibilities of Registered Trustees over union assets, and called for an investigation into the allegations.
They also disputed an alleged claim by Commissioner Ezeaka that stakeholders led by Chief Simon Okeke had agreed to extend the former President-General’s tenure following a court ruling.
According to the petitioners, Chief Simon Okeke has publicly denied making such an agreement.
The group further argued that for the fact that someone is a government appointee or a functionary does not translate to being a community stakeholder.
The 12-member caretaker committee submitted to the state government comprises Odikaesieme Chukwudalu, Donatus Nzekwe and Okechukwu Ojirinnaka from Okpala Quarter; Emeka Oguchi, Paul Umeh and Obiora Nwankwo from Ezeudene; Casmir Umeorajiaku, Eugene Okeke and Elder Emeka Uwakwe, who was designated chairman, from Afube; and Dr. Obinna Okeke, designated secretary, Akachukwu Okonkwo and Oluchukwu Umeokezue from Ebenasa.
The concerned members argued that despite a subsisting court order and explicit Anambra State statutory frameworks requiring state interventions to strictly align with community constitutions, Commissioner Ezeaka is attempting to impose unselected individuals onto the local Caretaker Committee.
The concerned citizens urged Governor Soludo to immediately call Commissioner Ezeaka to order, investigate the competing claims and ensure that any caretaker arrangement is based on the constitution of the community and the outcome of its General Assembly.
They also appealed to the governor to prevent any action capable of worsening tensions in the community.
The petitioners explained that their appeal was not about personalities but about preserving peace, constitutional order and the unity of Amichi.
They warned that imposing a leadership structure that lacks broad community acceptance could turn a manageable administrative disagreement into a serious communal crisis.
“Do not wait until there is bloodshed before government acts,” the petitioners appealed, urging Governor Soludo to act swiftly to prevent brothers, neighbours and kinsmen from being pushed into avoidable war.
They said the people of Amichi were looking to the governor to demonstrate his commitment to the rule of law, fairness and peaceful resolution of community disputes.
For Amichi, they said, the time for intervention is now, before a leadership dispute becomes a crisis that nobody can easily control.
