Wild Jubilation as Okekeifi Emerges New Traditional Ruler of Ndiowu

By Olisemeka Obeche

Wild jubilation erupted across Ndiowu town in Orumba North local government area of Anambra state following the emergence of Chief Chibuzor Okekeifi as traditional ruler of the community.
The community had operated without a monarch since the demise of His Royal Highness, Eze O.O. Udeh in 2015.

Although, the process of electing a new monarch had been fraught with intrigues and subterfuge, including last ditch efforts by some cabals to use protesters to engineer postponement of the election over alleged constitutional infractions, our correspondent who monitored the election observed peaceful poll conducted under the supervision of officials of the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

At the end of the voting exercise held at Central School, Ndiowu, Okekeifi, a United States-based businessman, polled 506 votes to defeat other four contestants who scored two votes and zero respectively.

Speaking to newsmen, the monarch-elect said his decision to return home for the vacant stool was to liberate his people from shackles of those he described as cabals. He said his passion for the community’s growth and development also informed his decision to contest for the exalted seat.

He pledged to bring his character, pedigree and experience to bear, Okekeifi called for support from all and sundry to move the community forward.

“It’s time Ndiowu gets an Eze that will take care of their interests which I’m prepared to do. We’ve done quite a number of things and are prepared to do more in the area of electricity, healthcare, security and educational scholarships at all levels.

“We’ll seize the platform provided by the office to build on the achievements earlier recorded. It can only get better and better,” he stressed.

Professor Ogonnah Nwangene, Dean, Department of Marketing, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, described the outcome of the exercise as a turning point in the history of Ndiowu town. “Just look around and see that our people are rejoicing. When the righteous are in power, the people rejoice. Our joy knows no bound because at last Ndiowu is liberated. It’s a great day for our town and I want to use this opportunity to say a big thank You to our Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Mr. Commissioner, Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, and to our Mayor and others who contributed to this historic moment. I’m happy that at last Ndiowu is free.

Former Deputy Majority Leader of Anambra State House of Assembly, Chief Emeka Aforka, also expressed joy over the outcome of the Ezeship election.

“This is a very remarkable day. It has been difficult. The people of Ndiowu are happy with the outcome of this exercise. As you can see, our people trooped out to exercise their franchise and participate in the election of a new traditional ruler.

“As you can see, history was made today as we have elected a credible leader, Chief Chibuzor Okekeifi as our new traditional ruler. Today is a historic day and I thank God for making a day like this for us to rejoice”, Aforka, a former Chairman of Orumba North Local Government stressed.

Another stakeholder in the community, Prof Emmanuel Iloh also expressed gratitude to God for liberating the community from decade of bondage. Hear him: “The lingering era of no rulership is over. We had waited for opportunity to get a leader due to challenge of caliber of people interested in the throne. It’s had been difficult to have a resourceful person. But today, we had opportunity to elect someone truly qualified in all ramifications.

“His family has always been in the lineage of traditional leadership. So we were not surprised with the outcome of the election.

“No doubt, he has what it takes to rescue the town that had been in bondage for years. We expect all forms of development that had eluded the area for years.

“Of course he has always been into developmental projects even without interest of being a traditional ruler. There are scores of students under his scholarship as well as building houses for less privileged.
Iloh who is a Dean of Faculty of Physical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli campus also pledged support to the new monarch to take the community to greater heights.

“We’ll give him the necessary support he desires, including bringing the aggrieved persons in to become more of positive critics that will spur the monarch-elect to doing better.”

Dr. Boaka Nwajiagu, a US based indigene of Umudiabo-Ndiowu, also expressed joy that he participated in the exercise that gave the community a new credible monarch. He expressed confidence that the new monarch will lead the community to greater heights.
“I’m the happiest person because the people of Ndiowu had made the right choice. Chief Okekeifi is not looking for what Ndiowu can do for him, but what he can do for the betterment of the community.
“Omelora has done so much for the community and as the traditional ruler he will do more. So, the community is heading in the right direction and we are here to support him”, he adds.

Chief Fred Aforka, President of Ndiowu, North America, also hailed the outcome of the exercise as an epitome of democracy and validation of wishes of Ndiowu people.

“What we have witnessed here today is democracy in action. Everybody came out enmass to vote, without any form of manipulation and in the end a candidate of their choice emerged.

“This is significant because it’s long overdue for us to have a traditional ruler that will help unite everybody in Nidiowu. I’m glad that most of us in Diaspora participated in the exercise.

“Many indigenes of Ndiowu from across the world returned home and took part in this exercise and you can see that they are happy that their votes counted and a credible and best candidate emerged.

Dr. Onyebuchi Okekeifi, younger brother of the newly elected traditional ruler and chairman of Udokanma age grade Ndiowu, also expressed his joy that the electoral process was peaceful despite attempts by some individuals to use misguided elements to scuttle it. He advised those opposed to the election to allow the wishes of the majority of Ndiowu people to prevail and join hands with the newly elected monarch to move the community forward. He thanked the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and the commissioner for ensuring that the wishes of Ndiowu people prevailed.