The residents of Obiangwu autonomous community in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, Imo State, have risen in protest over what they described as an imposed Interim Town Union Executive, allegedly installed by the Local Council Chairperson, Chika Ibekwe, without seeking the input of key community stakeholders.
In a show of disapproval, the people marched to the offices of Imo State House of Assembly Speaker, Mr. Chike Olembe, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chief Tenancy Affairs, Mrs. Ruby Emele. Both officials assured the protesters that their concerns would be addressed.
The demonstrators strongly opposed what they referred to as the forceful imposition of the interim leadership.
They claimed this action was taken by Mrs. Chika Ibekwe and the Leader of the Ngor Okpala Legislative Council, Mr. Chibuike Agbuba, bypassing the community’s decision-making process.
According to the protesters, the community had not been properly consulted before individuals were chosen, despite a prior intervention by the Commissioner, who reportedly cancelled the earlier scheduled Town Union election.
Chief Theophilus Okere, one of the leading voices in the protest, demanded Mr. Agbuba’s suspension.
READ ALSO:Â Imo Police Bust Child Trafficking Ring, Rescue 12 Victims
He accused him of misconduct, arrogance, and a breach of community trust.
Chief Okere stressed that Obiangwu would not abandon its traditional rotation system for selecting a President-General.
He pointed out that since the Eze Obiangwu and the Kweraza have already produced leaders in the past, the next President-General should come from the Emele clan.
He noted that the protest exposed underlying tensions in the community and urged for swift action to address the issues.
He added that community members remain committed to upholding their customs and ensuring that any interim executive is established through a fair and inclusive process.