Custodian of Culture and Tradition of Ojoto community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State known as Otu Omenani Ojoto Akanasato and pressure group known as the G-24 have called on the State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo to forestall imminent breakdown of law and order allegedly caused by leadership of the town following alleged non-adherence to constitution of Ojoto Akanasato Union on conferrment of Chieftaincy titles.
The group made the appeal during a joint meeting of the Otu Omenani Ojoto Akanasato, G-24 and Umuokpu held at the residence of the Chairman of the Otu Omenani, Chief Anthony Uzoekwe, on Thursday.
The Otu Omenani said they had earlier written an open letter to the people of Ojoto on the recent development in the town and why they took the community’s leadership under HRM Igwe Gerald Mbamalu to court, highlighting eight points which were against the reviewed constitution of Ojoto Akanasato Union (OAU) Ojoto.
The G-24 had in a response and letter to the Governor dated December 15, 2023 highlighted 14 points negating the Ojoto tradition, culture, norms and constitution such as closing down of Pentecostal churches in the community, desecration of God’s altar, alleged high level of criminal activities, Ofalla Festival and selling of Ichie and Chieftaincy titles, among others.
The group had held a peaceful protest at the Local Government Secretariat, bearing placards with inscriptions such as, “We say no to lawlessness in Ojoto”, “Our Constitution must be obeyed in our town, Ojoto,” among others.
Speaking to Journalists, Chairman of Otu Omenani, Dr. Anthony Uzoekwe alleged failure of present leadership of the community to follow guidelines and tenets of the Constitution.
He said: “Ojoto community has a constitution in place but the present leadership has failed to follow its guidelines and tenets which could lead to chaos and anarchy in the community.
“The present traditional ruler of the community led by Igwe Gerald Mbamalu has not followed the process of conferrment of Chieftaincy titles.
“The rules stipulated that not more than five persons should be conferred with the Chieftaincy title and other activities which go against the laws of Ojoto constitution.
“We call on Anambra State Government to look into our predicament and ensure the right thing is done by the present leadership.”
On his part, Chairman of G-24 Ojoto, Onyedika Offor said the group has taken note of the happenings in the town which is not in line with her constitution.
He said that the group deemed it right to escalate the issue to authorities in the state and beyond towards finding lasting solution to the impasse.
Vice-chairperson of Umuokpu, Justina Osuno, while corroborating the views of the G-24, called on the leadership of the community to follow the constitution of the land and ensure equity, fairness and good governance in their leadership style.
Efforts to reach President General of the town, Chief Donatus Anozie to react to the development was unfruitful as his phone line was unavailable as at the time of filling the report.
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