Ousted community leader seeks Ugwuanyi’s intervention

Tension is looming in Iji Nike Community, in Enugu East Council of Enugu State, over purported removal of the president general of the community and Chairman of Ikwu Ekpe masquerade, Chief Chukwuemeka Anike, by the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Julius Nnaji.

Nnaji had single-handedly installed another individual without the consent of elders and against the wish of some members of the community. Speaking on how he was allegedly removed, Anike said the action of the traditional ruler is null and void since he did not have the power to single-handedly remove him

He said he has not committed any offence either against any individual or the custom of the land, which warrants his removal. He added that even if he were accused of any wrongdoing, the elders and the Igwe would invite him to defend himself.

Anike, however, called on the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Director of Department of State Services (DSS) to intervene in the matter before the crisis Igwe Nnaji is instigating in the community escalates.

He said: “I just want to let the general public know that some groups of people are trying to cause crisis in Iji Nike Community, which is made up of Umuchigbo and Umu Enwene, where I am the President General (PG).

“I was sworn in as PG by Igwe Nnaji at the premises of the eldest man in the community, Elder Dominic Okorie-Ifenze, in 2021, barely two years ago for a five year tenure. The Igwe decided, on his own, to remove me.

“I never committed any crime to warrant the removal. Let the Igwe tell the elders my offence. Let him tell the entire community what I have done.

“I am calling on Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who has done it before now in Iji Nike Community, to come to our aid. The IGP and director of DSS should come to our aid, because Igwe is instigating violence in a community. I have been holding the youths back, but I am tired of stopping them.”