The wife of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, and the indigenes of the Odigbo community are locked in a conflict over the appointment of a caretaker chairman for the recently established Odigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA.
According to sources, the First Lady has allegedly proposed Eucharia Nwamara, the councillor representing Ore Ward, as the new caretaker chairman.
However, this decision has faced firm opposition from the indigenous people of Odigbo, who strongly believe that such an appointment should not be allowed in their territory.
The residents have vehemently objected to the appointment of Nwamara, arguing that it is inappropriate for the First Lady to impose a politician of Igbo extraction as the Caretaker Chairman of Odigbo LCDA.
They are calling for a reconsideration of the appointment, urging the government to prioritize the selection of a caretaker chairman who is not only familiar with the needs of the community but also respects its cultural values and traditions.
During a gathering at the palace of the Orunja of Odigbo kingdom, Oba Rufus Adegboyega Akinrinmade, Adebusoye 1, the Odigbo residents voiced their concerns. They argued that it would be unacceptable for their traditional rulers to take directives from a non-indigene appointed as the Caretaker Chairman of the Council.
The former lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Mayowa Akinfolarin, expressed his opinion on the matter, saying, “We have a historical precedent of ensuring peace in our domain. We have told our youth to maintain peace. We are taking several measures to ensure peace. We want to convey to the First Lady that we love her and our neighbors. We are saying no to anything that will disrupt the peace of this locality.”
Dr. Tunji Moyero, the organizing secretary of Ondo APC, added, “Our king cannot take orders from someone who is not from here. If we refuse to fight, our children will end up fighting. Everyone must rise to this occasion. We implore the wife of the governor that if there are any decisions to be made in that regard, we have no other choice. Our youth are prepared. We are fighting for what is rightful.”
A community leader, Femi Olafumiloye, expressed his concern that the First Lady’s actions could disturb the peace in the community.
“How can we start an LCDA with a complete stranger as the first caretaker chairman? It is a heartfelt request. She can reconsider this decision. We cannot accept it. Let our people be the chairman. How can an Igbo woman communicate with us?” he queried.
Oba Akinrinmade advised his subjects to prioritize peace and appealed to the First Lady not to jeopardize the harmony in the community.
The king mentioned that Nwamara had visited him two weeks ago and had expressed support for another person to emerge as the Caretaker Chairman. He added that she had declined the offer when it was extended to her.
When contacted, Nwamara stated, “I am a politician. Life presents opportunities. I was not aware of any protest. I have been living in Odigbo for over 35 years. I have contributed to the development of the community. I am also hearing rumors.”