A 95-year-old man, Chief Anthony Maduafor has reportedly led a protest march to the Anambra state government house, Awka on Thursday, February 20, 2020.
DailyPost reports that the protest was to prevent plans by Governor Willie Obiano to issue a certificate of recognition to an indigene of the community, Mr Chike Maduka as the monarch of Isulo community of Orumba South Local Government Area.
The protesters who caused a stir at the government house, accused Governor Obiano of plans to install a monarch in the community against their wishes.
Placards carried by the protesters read: Chike Maduka is not our Igwe elect, an ex-convict can not rule Isulo, stop issuance of any certificate of recognition to Maduka, among others.
Speaking with newsmen during the protest, 95-year-old Chief Maduafor said he had to lead the exercise because of the governor’s unwise decision install an ex-convict as Isulo monarch. He said:
“I decided to come because we heard that Governor Obiano plans to issue staff of office to one Chike Maduka who is not from the right village. He is also an ex-convict and not fit to hold any position in the community according to our constitution.”
The chairman of Isulo community, Mr Innocent Ugbasoro, who addressed government officials during the protest, lamented that despite a letter written to the state government, Maduka was still considered for the chieftaincy stool of the community.
“We wrote to commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters over the plan to install an ex-convict who wants to be the traditional ruler of our community.
“We are here to hear from the government, if they are truly supporting someone who is our brother, and we know that he went to jail for five years over fraud to take over as the monarch of Isulo.”
Ugbasoro said the community had earlier written the state government with documentary evidence of the person of Maduka, and also the constitution of the community which abhors people of questionable character to take up the kingship of the community.
An official of the state government, Mr. Henry Nwasike of the ministry of local government and chieftaincy matters who addressed the protesters commended their peaceful protest. He said:
“The commissioner is not on seat and would have been here to address you. We appreciate the peaceful stand you all took. Your messages will reach him and the governor.
“Government will not do the wrong thing and we are sure they will hear you and your grievances. You people have the final say in who becomes your traditional ruler, and they will revisit your case, and I bet you that your protest to the government house today will not be a waste.”
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