As tensions continue to escalate in the Ifitedunu community, located in the Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, the government led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo has announced that it will apply all necessary laws to restore peace.
The community has been torn apart by a dispute over the position of President General, with Chief Uchenna Nwoye and another prominent member of the community, Chief Vincent Udobi, at the center of the conflict.
Nwoye has gone into hiding after being assaulted by thugs.
In a viral video, Nwoye can be seen being attacked at the community’s market square by men loyal to Udobi, who claims that Nwoye has been removed as President General.
Members of the community have expressed outrage over the video, with some accusing Udobi of taking the law into his own hands.
Nwoye, speaking to Media Talk Africa over the phone, revealed that he has gone into hiding after Udobi threatened him.
The Anambra State government, the Anambra State Association of Town Unions, and various stakeholders in the state have all expressed their dissatisfaction with the assault on Nwoye.
Nwoye explained that his problems began in 2017 when Sam Nweke, the then President General, and Udobi plotted to depose their monarch, Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno.
“Vincent Udobi and Sam Nweke conspired to remove our monarch. They tried to involve me in their evil plan, but I outrightly refused,” said Nwoye.
“They offered me N5 million, but I rejected it. I advised them to report their grievances to the state government if they believed the traditional ruler was not performing his duties adequately. Because of this, when I wanted to run for President General, Udobi vowed to work against me.
“It is because I refused to support his wicked plots that his thugs beat me up at Nkwo market, treating me like a common criminal.
“The state government issued a letter on the 28th of July, 2023, affirming me as the duly recognized President General of Ifitedunu Town Union. However, these people are still laying siege to my office with their thugs,” Nwoye stated.
When Media Talk Africa visited Udobi at his home, he insisted that Nwoye had been deposed as President General of the community following a recent court judgment which allegedly convicted him.
“An ex-convict cannot be our President General. Nwoye was convicted by the court in a criminal case, and the community has decided that he cannot hold this position. Is that so hard to understand?
“Let me ask you, don’t we have laws stating that ex-convicts are ineligible for holding positions? That is why our people are rejecting him.
“The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Collins Nwabunwanne, is the one causing trouble in our community. He is insisting on imposing Nwoye on us because they are friends. We are calling on Soludo to dismiss him,” Udobi claimed.
Udobi maintained that the video showing people loyal to him beating Nwoye in the market square only depicted two rival gangs fighting each other.
Meanwhile, Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has vowed to ensure peace in Ifitedunu.
The Governor, speaking through his Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Collins Nwabunwanne, acknowledged that many communities in the state were facing crises. He assured that the constitution of each community would be followed to find a lasting solution.
He stated, “The Ifitedunu constitution stipulates the conditions under which a President General can be removed from office. It requires a general meeting supported by two-thirds of those present, and that has not yet happened.
“Udobi was wrong to oppose Nwoye, as the community’s constitution was not violated in any way. Regarding Nwoye being an ex-convict, it may interest you to know that Nwoye has appealed the judgment.
“We will not sit idly by and allow wealthy individuals to impose impunity in communities just because they have money.”
Expressing his frustration over the assault on Nwoye, the National President of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), Barr Titus Akpudo, lamented that six Presidents General of communities in Anambra State have been killed in the past, despite their selfless service to their communities.
“We will not allow this to continue. PGs from about six communities, including Nimo (Njikoka LGA), Omor (Ayamelum LGA), Orom Etiti (Anambra West LGA), Nanka (Orumba North), and Obosi (Idemili North LGA), have been killed. This must not be allowed to continue. Udobi or anyone else must stop,” he warned.
An APGA chieftain, Chinedu Obigwe, also weighed in on the crisis, stating, “Udobi, or whoever he is, should know that Governor Soludo has dealt with more influential individuals in communities than himself.
“Let me remind Udobi that individuals like Uzu Awka followed the same path that he is currently following in the past and were subdued by Governor Soludo.
“Governor Soludo cannot be threatened or dictated to. Anambra has moved past the era of individuals behaving as if they are above the law.
“If such actions were tolerated in the past, they will not be tolerated under Governor Soludo’s administration. The era of unruly behavior in Anambra is over,” Obigwe asserted.
