Tensions surrounding the traditional leadership succession in Amankanu, Aninri local government area of Enugu State, have intensified following a recent alleged publication from the Umuoro kindred.
However, fresh clarification in a statement by the general secretary, Amankanu Progressive Union and traditional prime minister of Amankanu autonomous community, Chief Oji Linus, showed that respected community leaders and documentation of past events suggest that Uhuogwudu remains the rightful kindred to produce the next Igwe of the autonomous community.
Amankanu gained autonomous status in 2016, after which a rotational kingship arrangement was enshrined in the community’s constitution. The kingship alternates between Group A — consisting of Umuoro, Uhuogwudu, Umuanikwu and Uhuobia — and Group B, which includes Umuokogu, Umuogo, Umunakpu, Uhuoro and Umuoduhu. Within each group, the rotation follows the order of seniority.
As the eldest kindred in Group A, Umuoro was initially next in line to produce the Igwe. However, after more than one year of delay and failure to present a candidate within the six-month window outlined in the constitution, the mantle was formally transferred to Uhuogwudu, the next in line.
Community records indicate that the handover occurred on December 7, 2018, when Ochi Achita, the eldest man in Umuoro, handed over the traditional staff of authority — the Offor — to Chief Innocent Okorie Ekpete of Uhuogwudu.
The ceremony, witnessed by many, symbolised a constitutional and traditional transfer of leadership rights. Though Ochi Achita could not perform the traditional Iwa Ji ritual himself, he directed the next in line, Abel Okorie, to carry out the rites, after which Chief Ekpete was officially crowned.
In the statement on the matter, the traditional prime minister (Onowu) of Amankanu and general secretary of the Amankanu Progressives Union, Chief Oji Linus, affirmed the validity and transparency of the process.
“I will continue to defend what is right and can’t be party to anything that goes against the norm and tradition of my community for the sake of our ancestors. In my presence, Umuoro willingly relinquished the stool after failing to present a candidate for over a year. Uhuogwudu has rightfully taken their place,” Chief Linus stated.
A local councillor, who chose to remain anonymous, also lent his voice in support of Uhuogwudu’s position.
“For this Offor to be transferred to Uhuogwudu close to a decade ago is not by accident. The community gave Umuoro time; that they could not produce a king is history. We must now move forward and support Uhuogwudu in choosing their candidate,” he said.
Further underscoring the community’s consensus, an elder from Umuogo, Nze Livinus Ani, urged restraint and respect for tradition.
“No one should light fire in our community because you feel you are being sponsored by enemies of peace. Must we politicise everything?” he queried.
Despite recent public claims questioning Uhuogwudu’s legitimacy, the evidence — both traditional and constitutional — strongly supports the kindred’s right to the kingship. Community leaders are now urging all stakeholders to prioritise unity and peace by rallying behind Uhuogwudu as they present their candidate for Igwe.
