Residents of Isiagu-Akpawfu community in Enugu state have described as false recent publication by a section of the media that tension is brewing over the emergence of a traditional ruler.

A statement jointly issued by leaders of the community, Engr. Anthony Obinna Nnamani
Secretary General, Isiagu Akpawfu Town Union, DR. Pius Emeka Nnamani, Chairman Uwani Isiagu Village, Ozor Anaekpere Ede Anioko, Chairman Aguisienu Village, Barr. Goddy Edeani, Chairman Isienu /Ogologbo Village and Mr. Ifeanyi Nnamani, Chairman
Uzomani Village, said the contents in the said publication were frivolous, baseless and misleading, saying that members of the public should disregard it as there is no fighting among indigenes of the community following the emergence of the traditional ruler.

Part of the statement reads: ” The attention of Isiagu-Akpawfu people have been drawn to a Daily Post Newspaper publication of Friday May 16th, 2025 captioned “TENSION MOUNTS IN ENUGU COMMUNITY”.

“We are constrained to refute this falsehood in order not to glorify the mischief makers who are bent on causing disaffection and mislead the people.
For the purpose of clarity, the content in the publication referenced here are concocted lies, frivolous and baseless and should be disregarded by the public. We therefore in good spirits make the following clarifications.”

“First and foremost, Isiagu Akpawfu at present is peaceful and devoid of any tension as purported in the publication. The good people of Isiagu Akpawfu community have been in jubilant mood over the peaceful emergence of their Traditional Ruler which they expressed with so much joy and glamor in the recent presentation ceremony after nineteen years of anticipation.”

“During the presentation, the people equally expressed their gratitude to the state governor – Barr. Peter Mba for the numerous projects currently going on in the Isiagu community and Akpawfu in general.”

“Secondly, It is on record that Isiagu Akpawfu had duly constituted a screening committee that did their job and submitted the report on the 8th of December 2018, which disqualified Mr. James Ede Ogbu on grounds that his family (kindred) were never of Isiagu Akpawfu Community. Sequel to his disqualification, the now disgruntled James Ede Ogbu sought to manipulate the committee’s report by conniving with the Late President General of the Town Union – Mr. Samuel Anigbo to thwart the process. This action of the duo resulted in litigation.”

“The matter was brought before Justice C. O Ajah PhD of Enugu High Court in suit no. E/666/2019. During one of the court sittings and under cross examination, Mr. James Ede Ogbu admitted that his family(kindred) is not of Isiagu Akpawfu Community.”

“This legal battle which lasted for six years, had judgement delivered on November 29th, 2024. In the ruling, the court affirmed the report of the screening committee which had disqualified the other two contestants – Mr. James Ede Ogbu and Ozor Michael Nnamani and posited that Prince Tony Ike Okoye was the only qualified candidate among the three contestants in line with the Isiagu Akpawfu Traditional Rulership Constitution and code of conduct.”

“It is pertinent to note that the matter brought before the Honorable court was a pre-election issue which centers on qualification (as at the time in question) for the position of the Traditional Ruler of Isiagu Akpawfu.”

“The judgement delivered by Hon. Justice C. O Ajah PhD was a declaratory judgment and at such, the Isiagu Akpawfu Town Union, the good people of Isiagu Akpawfu, the Government and other relevant authorities in submission to the rule of law, recognized the judgement and are abiding by the ruling.”

“It is noteworthy that at this juncture, a Stakeholders meeting was convoked by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs on 7th April, 2025 to discuss the way forward. The outcome of the meeting was very successful and participants requested the Ministry’s presence at the presentation of their Igwe Elect – Prince Tony Ike Okoye. The Ministry granted this request and ask the Stakeholders to go back to their community and plan for the event. In attendance at that meeting were – Hon. Commissioner – Barr. Deacon Okey Ogbodo, Isiagu Akpawfu Town Union Executive, Isiagu Akpawfu Village chairmen and secretaries, the contestants, Isiagu Akpawfu Stakeholders and other representatives of the ministry.”

“In line with the outcome of the above stated meeting, the presentation of the Igwe Elect – Prince Tony Ike Okoye was held on the 26th of April, 2025 in a very conducive and colorful atmosphere. Following the success of the event and the large crowd that gave their support and approval on that day, a Certificate of Return was presented to the Igwe Elect – Prince Tony Ike Okoye (KSM).”

“It is rather very unfortunate but laughable that Mr. Ibezimako Ede who was a litigant in this matter, and who ironically never appeared in court, and was never represented by any counsel in this matter has now chosen to connive with Mr James Ede Ogbu to peddle lies and paint imaginary situations that do not exist.”

“We therefore urge the good and peaceful people of Isiagu Akpawfu and indeed the general public to disregard these falsehoods as mere distractions from Mr James Ede Ogbu and Ibezimako Ede.”