Chinedum Elekwachi
It was jubilation in Ndiowu community in Orumba North local government area of Anambra state following emergence of Chief Chibuzor Okekeifi as traditional ruler of the community.
The community had existed without a monarch following the death of its monarch eleven years ago.
A group of protesters, had on Sunday called for the postponement of the election, alleging exclusion of women from the election as well as use of secret ballot voting which contravened constitution of the community.
They had urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to wade in to avert impending breakdown of law and order in the area.
But 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.
Okekeifi, a US based businessman, polled 506 votes to defeat other contestants who scored two votes 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.
While pledging 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 number of things in the community, including provision of light, health, security and scholarships for indigent students.
“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.
A stakeholder in the community, Prof Emmanuel Iloh expressed gratitude to God for liberating the community from decade of bondage.
Iloh, Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli campus pledged support to the new monarch to take the community to greater heights.
He said, “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.
“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.”
