The New Yam Festival is around the corner, and stakeholders in Nanka community, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, are pleading with Governor Prof Chukwuma Soludo to intervene and avert a potential crisis. This call comes amid ongoing tensions and conflicts within the community.
Agbiligba, one of the villages in Nanka, accuses influential individuals of attempting to install a leader for Ozor title holders without following due process. Local indigenes fear that if these plans come to fruition, bloodshed and unrest will ensue during the new yam celebration, scheduled for this weekend.
In a press conference on Thursday, Nze Chinedu Ezeozue, the Legal Adviser of the Nze na Ozor group of Agbiligba village, along with other title chiefs, expressed their concerns to journalists. Ezeozue emphasized that the crisis is imminent unless urgent action is taken by the governor.
Ezeozue stated, “During our new yam festival, which is set to take place on August 18 and 19, there is a customary tradition where Isi Nze, the leader of Nze na Ozor title holders, will select a yam after specific rites conducted by the traditional ruler. However, Hon Okwudili Ezenwankwor, a former lawmaker, is working towards installing his uncle, David Ezenwankwor, as Isi Nze. If this is allowed to happen, it will undoubtedly lead to a crisis, and we implore our governor to prevent it.”
The stakeholders submitted a letter to Governor Soludo, detailing their concerns and reiterating their determination to oppose the legitimization of Ezenwankwor as Isi Nze. The letter denounced Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwor’s alleged manipulation of HRH Igwe Godwin Ogochukwu Ezeilo, which they believe is a blatant disregard for the traditional laws, customs, culture, and heritage of Nanka community.
Ezeozue also revealed that the plot to enthrone Chief David Ezenwankwor as Isi Nze first surfaced during the new yam festival in 2021 but was fiercely resisted by the community, nearly resulting in embarrassment in front of their guests, including a then-governorship candidate, Mr Valentine Ozigbo. He urged Governor Soludo to intervene, noting that a similar attempt was made last year but did not succeed due to the postponement of the festival following the tragic killing of the community’s President General by unknown gunmen.
Efforts to reach Hon Okwudili Ezenwankwor for his response to the accusations were unsuccessful. However, the President General of the Nanka community, Mr Ifeanyi Ezike, assured that steps are already being taken to address the crisis.
Hon Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Matters, emphasized that the Soludo administration has successfully resolved numerous conflicts in various communities and affirmed the government’s commitment to doing the same for Nanka.
