Leaders of the autonomous community of Isiagu Akpohu in the Eastern Nukanu Regional Government Area of Enugu State have firmly dismissed recent media reports suggesting community uncertainty, arguing that peace rulers and residents are not prevalent about normal activities.
This clarification follows a report claiming tension over the choices of traditional ruler Igwe Tony Ike Okoi, instead of James Ede Ogbu. In a joint statement available to the press, community leaders described the report as “lied, frivolous and unfounded,” urging the public to ignore it.
The statement was signed by Engr. Anthony Obinna Nunamani (Secretary General), Ozole Anapkele Ede Aniko (Chairman, Agisienu Village), Mr. Ifani Nunamani (Chairman Uzomani Village), Dr. Pius Emeka Nunamani (Chairman Uwani Isiagu Village), and Barr. Goddy Edeani (Chairman Isienu/Ogologbo Village).
Statement highlights:
“The attention of the people at Isiaagu-akpawfu was drawn to a media publication titled “Engu Community Tension Mount” on Friday, May 16th, 2025.
“We are constrained to rebuttal this falsehood so as not to encourage mischief makers who succumb to this false misunderstanding and causing unnecessary frustration.
“To be clear, Isiagu Akpawfu is currently in peace. People celebrated the peaceful emergence of the traditional ruler Prince Tony Ike Okoye with great joy and charm after 19 years of anticipation.”
During the presentation ceremony, the community expressed gratitude to Governor Enugu’s bar. For various development projects underway at Peter MBA, Isiagu and Akpawfu.
According to the statement, the community officially formed a screening committee that disqualified James Ede Ogbu in 2018, and his family left Isiag Akpov on the ground that he is not indigenous. Ogbu reportedly tried to work with Samuel Anigbo, the late Town Coalition president who led to the lawsuit, to manipulate the process.
Legal Arbitration:
This issue came before the PhD in the Enugu High Court (case number E/666/2019). Under cross-examination, OGBU reportedly admitted that his family did not belong to the Isiagu Akpawfu community.
On November 29, 2024, the court ruled in favour of Prince Tony Ike Okoi, endorsing the disqualification of other candidates on the Screening Committee, and declared that he was the only qualified contestant under the community’s traditional constitution of control.
Sign up for the AllAfrica newsletter for free
Get the latest African news
success!
Almost finished…
You need to check your email address.
Follow the instructions in the email you sent to complete the process.
error!
There was a problem processing the submission. Please try again later.
The statement emphasized that the ruling is declarative and formally recognized by the community, town federal, government officials and stakeholders.
The stakeholder meeting was convened on April 7, 2025 by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and the Ministry of Science, where the Ministry approved Prince Okoye’s presentation as Igweerect. The fully attended event took place on April 26, 2025 and a certificate of return was issued to him.
Community leaders criticized Ibezimako Ede, a party to a legal dispute that was not appearing or represented in court.
“We therefore urge the good and peaceful people and the general public of Isiag Akpuff to ignore these falsehoods as merely distractions from James Ede Ogbu and Ibezimakko Ede.”
Remember that both OGBU and EDE held press conferences at Enugu recently. There they refused the appearance of Prince Tony Ike Okoye, claiming that Chief Ogbu was unfairly forbidden from the contest due to questions about his indigenous status.
