BREAKING - Governor Obiano Ends Leadership Crisis in Adazi; See exclusive photos

Governor Willie Obiano Intervenes On The Leadership Tussle Bedeviling Adazi-Nnukwu; Hands Certificate of Office To The Igwe -elect.

By Charles Ifeanyi Obi

Monday 4th April 2016

This is coming at a time the leadership crisis in the town seems virtually impossible as aggrieved party had not only gone to the court to challenge the results of the election which produced the traditional ruler (Chief Prof Austin Obiekezie (Ugommuta Adazi-Nnukwu )), the traditional prime minister (Chief Kanu Ugwumba) and the President General of the town union ( Sir Francis Madubike) but had also used the police to harass and detained some townsmen as well as truncated the progress of several meetings of the town.

The town had in the last ten years remained without a traditional head after the death of the last Adama, Igwe Micheal Ojiako III; it however relied on the administrations of Chief Ben Enemmuo - led Adazi-Nnukwu Town Development Union and the Adama representative, Chief Pius Obiakonwa which according to the people does not serve enough for the needs of Adama Adazi.

Governor Willie Obiano thanked the people of the town for managing the situation which almost became a threat to peace and security of lives and properties. He described the Igwe elect as a wise choice for Ndi Adazi-Nnukwu and the process of selection of the new leaders as rigorous, fair and credible.

Presenting the Certificate of Office to the Igwe-elect, Chief Prof Austin Ikechukwu Obiekezie (Ugommuta Adazi-Nnukwu ) who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar, Governor Willie Obiano advised the new Igwe and his leadership team to forgive those who erred in the process of the struggle. He noted that Adazi-Nnukwu is one of the most stable communities in the state, in terms of peace, development, religion and tradition.

Earlier in the event, the Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council of Anambra State Igwe C. Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha addressed the new Igwe on the programs of the council. Going by his achievements, Igwe Achebe described Igwe Obiekezie as a great achiever whose record as university worker speaks very clearly.

Igwe Professor Eze Dunu, the traditional ruler of Ifitedunu and Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers Anambra Central recounted his experience working with Igwe Obiekezie in the same university describing him as hardworking, peaceful and selfless.

Igwe Professor Eze Dunu commended the people of Adazi-Nnukwu for the choice of Professor Austin Obiekezie for the position of Adama Adazi assuring them that their choices were right and would not fail them.

Igwe Peter Anukwu, (Igwe Amosu ) of Mbaukwu admonished the new Igwe to emulate the legacies of his predecessors who he described as great men whose influence once spread across various towns within the area.

The crowd of Chiefs, women leaders and youths rejoiced home to crown their king. The Igwe was received with 21 gun salute, various cultural groups /dance, the fierce Omekagu masquerade, age grades, clergymen etc.

After the coronation of the igwe, the Igwe exercised his first traditional right by crowning the Onowu (Odu Adazi), Chief Kanu Ugwumba. The hope of the town for a peaceful and progressive Adazi-Nnukwu were regained as many youths, women and men were seen within various points jubilation; thanking God that the tension which had bedeviled the community were finally over.
The event also had lots of the prominent sons and daughters of Adazi-Nnukwu returned from various parts of the world to be witnesses of the historic event.

Some notable top government functionaries and men of note present in the event include Chief Dr Victor Umeh, FNIVS, KSJI, OFR ( Ohamadike Ndigbo ) who played an important role in making the event a success; The Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Rita Maduagwu; the SSG, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu; Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy & Community Affairs, Chief Greg Obi; the Commissioner for Youth Entrepreneurship and Sports Development, Dr Barr (Mrs ) Uju Nwogu; SA political to the governor, Hon Chinedu Obidigwe; SA to the governor on Inter-party affairs, Chief Ben Obi; Prof Kenn. Nwogu, Dean of Students Affairs and Orator, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Chairman, Anaocha LGA, Hon Engr IKeobi Ejiofor; Leader Anaocha Legislative Council, Hon Silas Ejeabocha (Agunecheibe ) amongst others.

On his part, Chief Engr Cyril Anetoh (Ichie Ugonna ) on behalf of the community expressed satisfaction with the development, stressing that the people of Adazi-Nnukwu were overjoyed with the effort of the government in dousing the rising tension in the town. He noted in particular, the effort of Chief Dr Victor Umeh, Ohamadike Ndigbo, Hon Engr IKeobi Ejiofor and in a special way, the effort of the governor, Chief Dr Willie Maduaburochukwu Obiano who listened to the cries of the people and did not hesitate or waste time in swinging into action to restore peace and security of lives and properties in the town as part of the priorities of the current administration.

Engr. Cyril Anetoh further stressed that the town would in turn remain supportive of Governor Willie Obiano, the government of Anambra State and APGA in achieving it's set goals for the interest of Anambra State.