Okekeifi Emerges Traditional Ruler-Elect Of Ndiowu Community In Anambra
The people of Ndiowu Community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra have elected Chief Chibuzor Okekeifi as their new traditional ruler.
Ndiowu has operated without a monarch since the demise of His Royal Highness, Eze O.O. Udeh in 2015.
After a series of interval wranglings and failed attempts, the community on Monday held a successful election into the stool under the supervision of officials of the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
At the end of the voting exercise held at Central School, Ndiowu, Okekeifi, a United States-based businessman, polled 506 votes to defeat other four contestants who scored two votes and zero respectively.
In his post election speech, Okekeifi said his decision to return home for the vacant stool was to liberate his people from the shackles of cabals.
He said his passion for the community’s growth and development also informed his decision to contest for the exalted seat.
Okekeifi pledged to bring his character, pedigree and experience to bear, Okekeifi called for support from all and sundry to move the community forward.
“It is time Ndiowu got an Eze that will take care of their interests which I am prepared to do.
“We have done quite a number of things and are prepared to do more in the area of electricity, healthcare, security and educational scholarships at all levels.
“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.
Prof. Ogonna Nwangene, Dean, Department of Marketing, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, described the outcome of the exercise as a turning point in the history of Ndiowu town.
Nwangebe said their joy knew no bounds because Ndiowu had been liberated, adding that it was a day for the community.
According to him, I want to use this opportunity to say a big thank you to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, the Commissioner for Local Government and Town Union Matters, the Orumba North Council Chairman Mayor and others who contributed to the success of the election.
On his part, the former deputy majority leader of Anambra State House of Assembly, expressed joy over the outcome of the Ezeship election.
Aforka, a former chairman of the council said it was a remarkable day for the People of Ndiowu and that they were happy with the outcome of this exercise.
“As you can see, our people trooped out to exercise their franchise and participate in the election of a new traditional ruler.
“We have elected a credible leader, Chief Chibuzor Okekeifi as our new traditional ruler, I thank God for making a day like this for us to rejoice,” he said.
Also speaking, a stakeholder in the community, Prof Emmanuel Iloh also expressed gratitude to God for liberating the community from decades of bondage.
Iloh said the protracted period of no rulership was over and that they had waited for the opportunity to get a leader due to the challenge of the caliber of people interested in the throne.
He said it had been difficult to have a resourceful person and expressed delight that Ndiowu had elected someone who was 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 have eluded the area for years.
“Of course he has always been into development projects even without the interest of being a traditional ruler.
“There are scores of students under his scholarship and he has been building houses for the less privileged.
Iloh who is a Dean of Faculty of Physical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli campus also pledged support to the new monarch to take the community to greater heights.
“We will give him the support he desires, including bringing the aggrieved persons in to become more of positive critics that will spur the traditional ruler-elect to do better.”
Dr Boaka Nwajiagu, a United States based indigene of Umudiabo-Ndiowu, expressed joy that he participated in the exercise which gave the community a new traditional ruler.
Nwajiagu expressed confidence that the new traditional ruler will lead the community to greater heights.
“I am the happiest person because the people of Ndiowu had made the right choice.
“Chief Okekeifi is not looking for what Ndiowu can do for him, but what he can do for the betterment of the community.
“Omelora has done so much for the community and as the traditional ruler he will do more. So, the community is headed in the right direction and we are here to support him,” he said.
Chief Fred Aforka, President of Ndiowu, North America, hailed the outcome of the exercise as an epitome of democracy and validation of wishes of Ndiowu people.
According to him, what we have witnessed here today is democracy in action. Everybody came out en masse to vote, without any form of manipulation and in the end a candidate of their choice emerged.
“This is significant because it is long overdue for us to have a traditional ruler that will help unite everybody in Nidiowu. I am glad that most of us in the Diaspora participated in the exercise.
“Many indigenes of Ndiowu from across the world returned home and took part in this exercise and you can see that they are happy that their votes counted and a credible and best candidate emerged.
Dr Onyebuchi Okekeifi, younger brother of the newly elected traditional ruler and chairman of Udokanma age grade Ndiowu, also expressed his joy that the electoral process was peaceful despite attempts by some individuals to scuttle it.
Onyebuchi advised those who opposed the election to allow the wishes of the majority of Ndiowu people to prevail and join hands with the newly elected monarch to move the community forward.
He thanked Soludo and the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs for ensuring that the wishes of Ndiowu people prevailed.
