The Investigative Panel of Inquiry into the Akili-Ogidi Igweship tussle has continued their public hearing with testimonies, examinations and cross-examinations of the two contestants of the stool.
Chief Ikechukwu Nwafili and Chief Nwabueze Nwamah have been in a loggerhead as who is the authentic traditional ruler of Akili-Ogidi, in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Chief Nwabueze Nwamah was the first to mount podium and told the panel how he successfully passed all the processes that are needed to become the traditional ruler of the Community and that he was duly crowned, adding that what remained is for him to be given certificate of recognition by the state government.
On the other hand, Chief Ikechukwu Nwafili told the panel that he was duly elected by the Community through an election conducted and monitored by the office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and that the Onowu of the Community who is the only right person to crown a king has crowned him, and he was equally waiting for certificate of recognition from Anambra State government.
At the end of the hearing, the Chairman of the Panel, Igwe Rowland Odegbo of Nteje thanked Ndi Akili and the two contestants to the stool for their peaceful disposition and urged them to be factual, sincere and truthful in making their submissions to help the panel to do their job efficiently.
In their various remarks, the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chibudom Iweka and his Alor Counterpart Igwe Anthony Okonkwo, warned the people of Akili-Ogidi not to allow Igweship tussle to bring unending crisis to the community and should rather see themselves as one and work for the collective interest of the Community.
Other members of the Panel present during the public hearing were, Comrade Nwabufo Nwankwo who is the Panel’s secretary, the Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Entrepreneurs and Creative Economy, Professor Theresa Obiekezie, Mr. Chike Mmaduekwe, Barrister Pat Igwebuike as well as, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy Matters, Barrister Vera Okonkwo.
BY SUNNY A. DAVID
