Some elders of Awkuzu community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State have appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to wade into the brewing crisis which may cause security breach in the town.
The elders, under the aegis of Ojiani Ifite Awkuzu, who thronged the Government House, Awka, with placards bearing various inscriptions, demanded the intervention of the state government.
The elders submitted a protest letter to the governor and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Chief Peter Aniemena, who spoke on behalf of the protesting elders, alleged that Igwe Anikweze was making efforts to dethrone two traditional titleholders in his cabinet by unconstitutional means.
They claimed that the move to dethrone the two chiefs was for their uprightness and defence for the right of the people and interest of the community.
Chief Aniemena said the elders of Awkuzu regarded the move by the traditional ruler as an attempt to aggravate the already heightened tension in the community.
He called on the governor to take steps to forestall the crisis.
According to him, the constitution and tradition of the community provides that the two titleholders remain Ichie till death, dethronement or resignation of the traditional ruler.
“The two titleholders, Ichie Ikechukwu Okafor and Ichie Nweke Oniezue of Isiorji village, who are still alive, never tendered any resignation letter to anyone,” he said.
Also speaking, Chief Godwin Igbanugo, called on the state commissioner of police and other security operatives to take urgent steps to forestall breakdown of law and order in the community.
Reacting, Mr Vin Anyanechi, the palace secretary, said he could not speak on behalf of the traditional ruler on the matter, noting that it was internal to the community.
Anyanechi said that a committee was inaugurated for event and that they were working ahead of the event according to norms.
When contacted, Igwe Anikweze switched off his phone after journalists introduced themselves .
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