New monarch: Forum reaffirms support for 1978 Igwe Ogbunike constitution

Praise Chinecherem

Forum of Traditional Titled Men of Ogbunike in Oyi local government area of Anambra state has reaffirmed its commitment to the 1978 Igwe Ogbunike Constitution as the only legitimate framework for selection and election of a new traditional ruler.

The Forum, in a statement by Elder Dr. Obi Anyanyo, Omeokachie Ogbunike said the reaffirmation was informed by prolonged vacancy on the revered throne of Ogbunike following passing of His Royal Majesty, John Ositadimma Umenyiora, Ezedioramma I of Ogbunike barely six years ago.

While insisting that the sanctity of Ogbunike throne must be preserved and protected, the Forum called on all sons and daughters of the land to respect and uphold traditions and legal foundations that had guided Ogbunike through generations.

The statement reads in part, “This development follows a high-level stakeholders meeting held at the Government House, Awka, convened by Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne.

“The meeting brought together representatives of the Ogbunike Progressive Union (OPU), the Council of Ndichie, aspirants to the Igweship throne, and other critical voices from across Ogbunike.

“During the engagement, the Commissioner directed that Section 6(2) of the 1978 Igwe Ogbunike Constitution should be utilized to facilitate the emergence of a new traditional ruler for Ogbunike.

“In a joint resolution by the OPU Central Executive Council and the Traditional Council of Ndichie, unanimously adopted during a meeting at the Ogbunike Town Hall, it was agreed that the 1978 Igwe Ogbunike Constitution remains the only valid and binding legal document governing the Igweship selection process.

“The resolution emphasized that this document was duly signed by the OPU and the late Igwe Ositadimma Umenyiora, and therefore carries full legitimacy and the collective endorsement of Ndi Ogbunike.

“The Forum of Traditional Titled Men of Ogbunike hereby state that: the 1978 Igwe Ogbunike Constitution remains the only legally recognized instrument for the selection or election of a new Igwe as the Constitution has been in use since the inception of the Igweship contest in 2024.

“All attempts to amend or review the constitution, though undertaken by certain stakeholders, have not been officially ratified and therefore do not supersede the 1978 document.

“In line with the directive of the Anambra State Government, any effort to install a new Igwe must strictly follow the stipulations of Section 6(2) of the 1978 Igwe Ogbunike Constitution, which provides for the whole community to participate in the Igweship election.

“The community firmly rejects any reference to revised versions or unauthorized amendments of the 1978 Constitution for the purpose of Igweship selection.

“The Forum condemned in strong terms the idea of shifting the goal post in the middle of the match.

“The Forum of Traditional Titled Men of Ogbunike rejects the plan orchestrated by the leadership of OPU and the kangaroo Constitution Draft Committee to disenfranchise the youths, Umuada, and citizens of Ogbunike below 52 years from participating in the Igwe Ogbunike election.

“Let wise counsel prevail. The sanctity of the throne of Ogbunike must be preserved and protected.”

“The Forum of Traditional Titled Men of Ogbunike call on all sons and daughters of the land, both at home and in the diaspora, to respect and uphold the traditions and legal foundations that have guided Ogbunike through generations.”