An indigenous group in Enugu State, the Ishienu Amofu Peoples Assembly in Nkerefi, Nkanu East Local Government Area, Enugu State, has stated that no election has been held to select a new king for the community.
The Assembly’s spokesman, Prince I. O. Ezeoha, issued a statement reacting to an online publication that claimed Chief Michael Christian Ogbonnaya had been elected as the new Igwe. Ezeoha emphasized that the Enugu State Government, ministries, and the general public will be duly informed when a new Igwe is chosen.
The statement reads: “We, the people of Ishienu Amofu Peoples Assembly, have read with amusement a purported publication claiming that an Igwe of Ishienu Amofu Nkerefi has emerged.
In that publication, the claimant asserted that he was elected as the Igwe-elect in an election held on March 30, 2024, at Umuogbii village square, Amofu, Nkerefi.
For the record, no election was held anywhere in Ishienu Amofu Nkerefi on March 30, 2024, or any other date. Therefore, if no election occurred, how could an Igwe have emerged?
It is unfortunate that a once-respected son of Nkerefi is attempting to impose himself on the people by claiming our revered Igwe’s throne and presenting himself as our traditional ruler and spiritual leader.
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To clarify, the people of Ishienu Amofu Nkerefi firmly state that the claimant is an impostor and opportunist seeking to assume an office he has no knowledge of. Ishienu Amofu Nkerefi community elects its Igwe, and since Mr. Ogbonnaya has not gone through the election process, did not contest, and did not win, he is merely indulging in wishful thinking.
We advise everyone to exercise caution when dealing with him, as he does not represent the Ishienu Amofu Nkerefi people in any capacity. The congratulatory message he sent to our executive governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, which was published in the online media, is questionable.
The Enugu State Government, ministries, and the general public should be aware that the electoral process to select an Igwe has not yet taken place.
The public will be informed once an election is held and a new Igwe is chosen. The new Igwe will be formally presented to the relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, as well as to our dear Governor.”
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