After seven years of petitions, counter-petitions, legal battles, and deep-seated divisions among brothers, in-laws, friends, and well-wishers, peace has finally prevailed in Oba community, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The long-anticipated moment arrived as the people of Oba came out in large numbers to elect Engr. Augustine Chinedu Emelobe as their new traditional ruler, officially bestowing upon him the revered title of EzeOkpoko II.
A Historic Day for Oba Community
March 15, 2025, will be remembered as a historic day when the people of Oba set aside their differences and came together as one. What initially seemed destined for conflict and unrest turned into a moment of unity and reconciliation. The entire community, including all nine villages that make up Oba, overwhelmingly endorsed the candidacy of Engr. Emelobe, an indigene of Okuzu Oba.
Smooth Electoral Process as Rival Candidate Withdraws
The electoral process was conducted peacefully, largely due to the withdrawal of the only other contestant, Chief Barr. Sir Vincent Ananti (Ananepungwu Oba), just days before the election. In a dramatic and commendable gesture, Ananti personally appeared at the election venue—Merchants of Light School, Oba—to formally announce his decision not to contest, urging the people to support Engr. Emelobe.
“Enough is enough,” Ananti declared. “I have been in this contest since 2021, and today, my own people, my zone, have resolved to put forward one candidate, Engr. Augustine Chinedu Emelobe. For the sake of peace, progress, and unity, I stand by this decision. We are all brothers. Let us support Engr. Emelobe to move Oba forward. I congratulate him and pledge my full support.”
Election Results and Official Declaration
Following the voting process, Pastor Onochie Emekaekwue, the Returning Officer and Electoral Committee Chairman, announced the final results, confirming that Engr. Augustine Chinedu Emelobe won the Igweship election with a total of 1,481 votes.
The votes cast from the nine villages were as follows:
- Urueze – 48 votes
- Umuogali – 344 votes
- Abime – 21 votes
- Okuzu – 395 votes
- Isu – 203 votes
- Aboji – 326 votes
- Ogboenwe – 21 votes
- Ogwugwu – 50 votes
- Ezele – 73 votes
Engr. Emelobe’s Acceptance Speech
In his acceptance speech, Igwe-elect and EzeOkpoko II, Engr. Augustine Chinedu Emelobe, expressed his profound gratitude to everyone who played a role in ensuring a smooth election. He acknowledged the unwavering support of his family, the people of Oba, the Mayor of Idemili South, Hon. Amaka Obi, the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Nwabufor Nwankwo, and the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
The newly elected monarch wasted no time in addressing security concerns in the community. In a firm declaration, he warned criminals and hoodlums engaging in illegal activities to vacate Oba within 48 hours. He vowed to uphold the constitution of Oba, foster peace, attract meaningful development, and create employment opportunities for the youth and residents.
“Freedom has come to Oba!” he proclaimed. “You have chosen me as your Igwe and EzeOkpoko II, and I am deeply grateful to Almighty God and to every one of you. I will protect and preserve our culture and traditions. I will not extort or oppress any citizen of Oba, nor will I use my position to dispossess anyone of their property. However, I issue a stern warning: Every criminal and troublemaker must leave. If you are engaged in legitimate business, you are welcome in Oba. If not, prepare to vacate before Monday at 6 AM.”
Community Leaders Express Optimism
Following the election, the President-General of the Oba Patriotic Union (OPU), Engr. Anthony Uzo Ejiofor, commended the people of Oba for prioritizing peace and unity over personal grievances.
Similarly, OPU’s Second Vice President, Hon. Ogonna Ndozie, described Engr. Emelobe’s emergence as “an answer to seven years of prayers.”
“It is well with Oba people. Igwe Emelobe is the people’s choice. He is a first-class Igwe with the capacity to lead. Every evil element must start packing out of Oba tonight,” he declared.
A prominent stakeholder and leader of thought, Elder Onyema Ugwunze, also expressed joy at the peaceful resolution of the contest.
“Glory be to God. Today, everybody is a winner. Both qualified candidates are my brothers, but it takes maturity and wisdom for one to step down for the greater good. With Engr. Emelobe as Igwe EzeOkpoko II, Oba is entering a new era of prosperity. We have talented individuals, both at home and in the diaspora, ready to contribute to Oba’s development. Our community will soon rival neighboring towns like Nnewi, Ichie, and Ojoto as a model of growth and excellence.”
Similarly, Chief Barr. Sir Felix Uzor (Ichie Enyi II) emphasized the legitimacy of the process, stating that the election strictly adhered to Oba’s constitutional guidelines as reinforced by a recent High Court consent judgment.
“Oba is blessed with many qualified individuals, but only one can be chosen. Today, God made that choice possible in the most transparent and successful manner. Engr. Emelobe is highly qualified and, most importantly, God-fearing. He will unite the people and drive development in Oba.”
Dignitaries and Observers Present
Given the controversies surrounding a previous election held on December 21, 2024, which was annulled by state authorities, this selection process was closely monitored by key government officials and stakeholders, including:
- Hon. Amaka Obi (Mayor, Idemili South LGA)
- Hon. Ikenna Iyiegbu
- Chief Nwabufor Nwankwo (Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs)
- Rt. Hon. Emeka Anyaenetu (Former Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly)
- Barr. Chuba Oranusi (Former Member, Anambra State House of Assembly)
- Chief Boniface Onyeka Okom II (Obosi Oba)
- Traditional Chiefs, Stakeholders, and Community Leaders from home and abroad
- Security agencies, including the Police, DSS, Army, Operation Udo Ga-Achi, and Vigilante groups
A New Era for Oba Begins
With the election settled and the mandate firmly given, the people of Oba now look forward to a new chapter under the leadership of Igwe Augustine Chinedu Emelobe, EzeOkpoko II. His commitment to peace, security, and economic development has raised hopes for a brighter future.
As the dust settles, all eyes remain on the new monarch to fulfill his promises and steer Oba into a new age of unity, prosperity, and transformation.
