From Ijeoma Nwajiobi, Nnewi
The Nnewi traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III has addressed the current issue that has disrupted the peaceful coexistence in the community.
Igwe set the record straight during Nnewichi community’s peaceful protest over Mayor’s quest for tenure elongation to disrupt the existing 1997 Nnewi Rotational Agreement and the 2024 Anambra State Local Government Administration Law.
The Protest led by the Obi of Nnewichi, Obi George Onyekaba Obidiugwu and the President General of Nnewichi community Engr. Sir. Emmanuel Udoka Chukwueloka on Monday, January 19th, 2026 at the Igwe’s palace saw the natives carrying placards with different inscriptions such as “Nnewichi Nnewi Community want to hear from Igwe Nnewi” “Nobody’s political interest is worth the stagnation of our Town, Nnewi” “Only State Government can determine the duration of tenure of office of Local Government Mayor” “We are being intimidated that we are minority” “The Nnewi Society that Nzuko-Ora is abusing today, will hunt the future generations” among others.
Addressing Newsmen during the protest, the Obi of Nnewichi community, Obi George Onyekaba Obidiugwu said the confusion was caused by the current Nzuko-Ora PG, Hon. Jude Osumuoh, who issued a letter that the current Mayor, Hon. Echezona Anazodo would complete his tenure of two years and that of Nnewichi to make it four years, queried “if Jude Osumuoh is the traditional ruler or the government that signed 2 years tenure for Mayor”.
“When the confusion started, we visited our Igwe, a peaceful man who assured us that our turn to produce the next Mayor of Nnewi North Local Government Council would not be taken away from us.
“Our turn will not be taken by another. 1997 Nnewi Rotational Agreement has been respected for 28 years, why now?.
” The 2024 Anambra State Local Government Administration Law said 2 years per tenure for Mayor, Nnewi North will not be exceptional.
“As soon as Mayor’s tenure elapse in August 30, 2026 he must leave the office for Nnewichi” he maintained.
Sir. Engr. Emmanuel Chukwueloka, the President General of Nnewichi community said they were not happy because Nnewichi has been neglected, called minority.
He maintained that since the Anambra State Local Government Administration Law said 2 years tenure for Mayor and Nnewi 1997 Rotational Agreement said a tenure for each quarter, they must be respected.
“We are here to see our Igwe, to hear from him, whatever he says will be taken by us” he said.
Sir. Fabian Obi, the Nnewichi BOT Chairman said Nnewichi must be allowed to take what is rightfully theirs.
Col. Osigwe, an Aspirant from Nnewichi said he supported what their Obi and PG said.
“We are here to see our Igwe based on the 1997 Nnewi Rotational Peaceful Agreement which has been kept till date.Our current Mayor swore a mandate to go for a 2 year tenure, he must maintain that” he noted.
Chief Emeka Alutu, former PG Abubor Progressive Union supported what Obi George Onyekaba said that” it is the turn of Nnewichi to produce the next Mayor this year”.
He urged Umudim’s PG for the interest of peace and justice not to use abusive words to address their community, Nnewichi, adding that they have great respect for every quarter in Nnewi.
“The provocative statement he made against Nnewichi, we felt so bad but handled it maturely because we have respect for the Obi of Umudim and for the entire people of Umudim” he stated.
The Igwe in response said what is written in Nnewi cannot be changed.
“Rotation must stand. We must follow what the government said which is a 2 year tenure for Mayor and also what Nnewi agreed in 1997” he cleared.