As Oba community in Idemili South, Anambra State is navigating the critical terrain of getting a replacement for the EzeOkpoko stool, an Aspirant, Chief Obi Ufondu Dikedioramma, Ochiagha Idemili has appealed to NdiOba to be patient with the Isu village saying that the quarter intends to field the best candidates that will be generally acceptable to ascend the revered throne of Oba ebo iteghete.
After the transition of late Igwe Peter Ezenwa, Eze-Okpoko 1 of Oba the community recoursed to the constitution which upholds rotational traditional rulership for a replacement.
Isu and Okuzu quarters showed major interest hence more aspirants from both quarters picked the EzeOkpoko II forms. Okuzu quarters had presented their two candidates while the formal presentation of the two candidates from Isu seemed difficult.
Speaking to newsmen at his country home Isu village, Oba, Chief Ufondu commended the Oba leadership for obliging the request by Isu Welfare Association (IWA) to present their candidate on or before January 31, 2022.
“People should know that nothing good comes easy. Good things are not cheap. Those who wait on God become favoured. We pleaded that Isu quarter should be given till 31st January to select a credible candidate.
“People are seeing it that we are taking much time but we are being meticulous, going for the best because you do not test the depth of the waters with two legs.
“We have a challenge in Isu because we have been trying to do selection but where it fails then election is inevitable.
“Take note of this statement: Any candidate that emerges from Isu quarter will eventually take over the mantle of leadership of Oba,” said Chief Ufondu.
Chief Ufondu further advised IWA, Elders and stakeholders in Isu quarter to ensure transparency, fairness and objectivity in the selection process saying that he that goes to equity must go with clean hands.
“Let the truth be told at all costs. Do not sideline, underate or underestimate the power of any individual,” said Ufondu.
In his remarks, the President of IWA, Chief Osita Ubadi assured Oba leadership and community that presenting the EzeOkpoko II candidates from Isu quarter on or before January 31, 2022 was sacrosanct.
“The delay is not intentional. The fact remains that we want to get it right. An adage says what is worth doing is worth doing well.
“Isu villages have personalities of different calibres from all walks of life. So we do not want to make a mistake that will leave casualties or be faulted by majority.
“All hands are on deck. IWA executives, Ichies & Chiefs, lsu leaders of thoughts, stakeholders are working round the clock to ensure that the right and credible candidates that could become the next EzeOkpoko are presented,” said Ubadi.
