Mohamed Garba
In a developing traditional leadership crisis, members of the Ihite community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State have called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene by restraining their newly crowned monarch, Igwe Timothy Ifurunwa, from parading himself as king. The community members allege that his emergence did not follow legitimate processes and does not reflect the will of the people.
Governor Soludo had presented certificates of recognition to several newly installed monarchs, including Igwe Ifurunwa, on January 13, 2025. However, the traditional council of Ihite, which comprises the community’s kingmakers, has contested Ifurunwa’s installation. They claim that the proper procedures for selecting a traditional ruler were not adhered to and have taken legal action to challenge his legitimacy.
Chief Sir Dominic Ahamkonye, a member of the traditional council, expressed concerns over the selection process, stating that the town union, led by President General Mr. George Madu, bypassed established customs by forming an electoral committee to elect the monarch. Ahamkonye emphasized that Ihite’s kingship is rotational among villages based on seniority, and the traditional council is responsible for overseeing the transition and election of a new monarch. He noted that introducing an electoral college into traditional matters is unprecedented and politically motivated.
Ichie Dennis Ohajekwe, another council member and the community’s deputy president general, echoed these sentiments. He criticized the president general for excluding key stakeholders from the selection process and turning the kingship into a political affair by imposing a N3 million fee for candidacy. Ohajekwe warned that this situation could escalate into a broader conflict affecting neighboring towns and appealed to Governor Soludo for intervention to prevent potential anarchy.
Legal documents obtained indicate that a motion is pending before the High Court in the Orumba South Judicial Division, Umunze, seeking to restrain Ifurunwa from acting as the traditional ruler until the matter is resolved. The traditional council urges Governor Soludo to acknowledge their grievances and halt Ifurunwa’s recognition as monarch to maintain peace and uphold cultural integrity in Ihite.
This dispute underscores the complexities surrounding traditional leadership selections in some Nigerian communities, where adherence to customary practices is paramount. The Ihite community awaits Governor Soludo’s response, hoping for a resolution that respects their traditions and ensures legitimate leadership.
