22 September 2023
There was an intense tension in the Nawfia community in Njikoka local government area of Anambra state following two traditional rulers fighting over the stool.
The two Monarchs fighting over the stool are, Igwe Daniel Obelle, who was installed in 2022 and Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, who ascended the throne about 20 years ago.
Nwankwo was allegedly dethroned by the former administration of Willie Obiano, alongside 12 others for visiting former president Muhammadu Buhari with the oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze without the consent of the government.
The certificate was, therefore, withdrawn from him and since then, it has not been returned, hence, the decision of the community to install Dan Obelle, as its new Monarch.
The present face-off arose when on September 15, when Nwankwo celebrated the new yam festival, warning that the community should not adhere to any other directive not from him
But on Friday, September 22, Igwe Obelle held another celebration of the new yam festival despite Nwankwo’s directive, describing Nwankwo as an impostor, who became a Regent when his father was killed.
Addressing reporters Thursday, September 22, in his palace in Nawfia, in the presence of his cabinet members, Obelle, said: “The reason for this is because of Nwankwo, who has been parading himself as the monarch
“Every person in the community knows he’s a Regent and not Igwe since 2001 and the regency expired after 5 years.
“That position was given to him because of the way his father was assassinated. His presence is a big distraction to the community, but we’re handling it. We’ve notified the police, DSS, LG chairman, and government among others. He’s existing in the air. I was duly elected on Feb 26, 2022, and on March 11th, 2022, the government issued a Certificate to me.”
He said that no one would challenge his stool, adding that anarchy would never befall Nawfia as some people wanted.
“I’m on a rescue mission in the community. I’ve been going round the villages to talk peace with everybody and by his grace, we’re succeeding.”
The community is the place where the late wife of the former Biafra leader, late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu hailed from.
