From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The hopes of the indigenes of Ahani-Achi autonomous community in OJi River local government area of Enugu state to begin the processes of crowning a new traditional ruler for their community after the transition of late Igwe Dr Ralph Nzekwe, has suffered a set back.
In accordance to their culture and traditional rites, the community observed more than one year solemn mourning over the transition of late Igwe Dr Raph Nzekwe, who joined the ancestors in the month of February,2023.
Since nature abhors vacuum, the Town Union Executive of Ahani-Achi community, led by Hon. Kingsley Ezeh, has been working assiduously with officials of the state ministry of Chieftaincy Matters for a peaceful conduct of an election that will herald the crowning of a new traditional ruler for Ahani-Achi community.
The election which is a prelude to other traditional doctrines to effect, held on Sunday, December 1,2024, was declared inconclusive.
There were observed rowdiness towards the end of the voting process over alleged smuggling in and sharing of some voters card by a member of the electoral committee to supporters of a particular candidate, whereas the official accreditation and giving out cards to prospective hours,ended several hours before the election commenced.
Based on the tensions generated by this allegation, the chairman of the electoral committee,Chief Ferdinand Ezeh, after due consultations with other members of his committee and officials from the state ministry of Chieftaincy affairs, declared the election inconclusive.
The member of the electoral committee (name witheld) who was alleged of smuggling in and sharing additional cards to suppoters of a particular candidate when the election was going on,was whisked away by law enforcement agents from OJi River police station,who were on ground to monitor the election.
The chairman of the electoral committee, Chief Ferdinand Ezeh, the Secretary, Mr Onyefulu and other members of the committee, also went to OJi River police station thereafter, to give their own side of the story why the envisaged peaceful election was truncated.
Checks revealed that the citizens of Ahani-Achi autonomous community wished to use the opportunity of the Sunday, December 1, election to decide through majority vote, who will be crowned their next traditional ruler, between Ozo Samuel Ekesi and Ozo Ken Imachukwu, both of whom are illustrious sons of the community.
The two candidates have a common similarly of having lived abroad, contributed according to their respective capacities in community projects and human resource development cum empowerment of the rural dwellers.
As part of their ‘Home Coming’, they reason their quest to ascend the throne of next king of Ahani-Achi, as a call to render more selfless service and commitment to Ahani Achi community,exploiting their exposure and experience.
Meanwhile,the supporters of the two,in several platforms are claiming that their principal won the election and should be considered for the position.
Reacting to the development, the Traditional Prime Minister of Ahani-Achi community,Rt Hon.Ozo Okefi John Ifeanyi Chukwu, called on every member of Ahani-Achi community to remain calm and go about their lawful duties,embracing one another.
Hon.Okefi clarified that the electoral committee never pronounced any of the contestant as winner of the election, stating the election remains inconclusive, according to the electoral committee.
Hon Okefi pleaded with the state commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Deacon Okey Ogbodo, to use his good office to wield into the imbroglio, expressing hope of a peaceful resolution at the long run.
