Thousands of protesters, predominantly women from Ifite Nteje Community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Wednesday marched to the Anambra State Government House in Awka to demand the issuance of a Certificate of Return to the community’s Igwe-elect, Christopher Okechukwu Nnebo.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Justice for Ifite Nteje,” “Let the Rule of Law Prevail,” and “Governor Soludo, Please Come to Our Rescue,” the protesters appealed to the state government to officially recognize the outcome of the traditional rulers’ election.
Addressing government officials, the group’s leader, Engr. Obiorah Julius, and spokesperson, Obidi Peter, said Nnebo emerged victorious in a keenly contested election involving eight candidates and had yet to receive his Certificate of Return despite the completion of the electoral process.
The protesters explained that Nteje’s traditional leadership rotates among its three villages—Ezi, Ikenga and Ifite. They noted that after the late monarchs from Ezi and Ikenga had completed their tenures, it was now the turn of Ifite Village to produce the next traditional ruler.
According to the group, Nnebo secured about 50 percent of the total votes cast, defeating seven other contestants, and urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to uphold the community’s decision by issuing him the Certificate of Return.
Also speaking, the APGA Women Leader in Oyi Local Government Area, Mrs. Juliana Ibefuna, said Nnebo was duly elected in accordance with the community’s traditions and insisted that his emergence had restored peace to Nteje.
She appealed to Governor Soludo to intervene, warning that further delay in recognizing the Igwe-elect could create unnecessary tension within the community.
The protesters called on the Anambra State Government to ensure justice, respect due process, and officially recognize the community’s chosen traditional ruler.
