The peaceful atmosphere in Ndiowu community, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been shattered by controversy and widespread rejection of a recently concluded traditional ruler election. The community, which has been without a monarch for twelve years, has declared the process that produced Chief Chibuzor Okeke-Ifi as illegitimate, sparking protests and deepening divisions.
Election Held Amidst Boycott and Allegations
On Monday, January 12, 2026, an election was conducted at the Central School field within the premises of St. Lawrence Anglican Church Parish in Ndiowu. The exercise, aimed at filling the stool left vacant for a dozen years, resulted in the selection of a United States-based businessman, Chief Chibuzor Okeke-Ifi, as the Igwe-elect. He reportedly secured a total of 506 votes.
However, the process was marred by a significant boycott from other aspirants who alleged grave irregularities. According to the announced results, other contestants received minimal votes: Barr Ugochukwu Nwankwo and Magistrate Onyeka Kanu each got 2 votes, Mr Onyeka Ekwueme Okafor also received 2 votes, and Mr Obumneme Okeke was allotted 0 votes. Despite the presence of officials from the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, the Mayor of Orumba North LGA, Hon. Casmir Nwafor, and a former state legislator, Hon. Afoka, the legitimacy of the poll is fiercely contested.
Community Stakeholders Voice Fierce Opposition
Immediately following the announcement, a coalition of angry men, women, and youths took to the streets of Ndiowu, carrying placards to voice their outright rejection of the election. The stakeholders argue that the process violated the community's constitution and excluded critical segments of the population.
Mrs Ifeoma Omenukor, a leader of the women's group, stated unequivocally that the women of Ndiowu will not recognize Chief Okeke-Ifi as their traditional ruler, even if the state government issues him a certificate of recognition. She highlighted several grievances, including the sudden disenfranchisement of women from the electoral process, a practice she said had been standard for years.
"We told them to shift this election to April 2026 to allow for adequate preparation, sensitization, and settlement of grey areas, but they refused," Mrs Omenukor explained. She also questioned the candidate's connection to the community, noting, "They just brought him back last week from abroad to impose him on us."
Echoing this sentiment, the spokesperson for the menfolk, Mazi Uchenna Iloh, dismissed the event as a "knighthood initiation" rather than a legitimate Igweship election. He accused certain elements of setting aside the Ndiowu constitution for personal interest.
"We were at the town hall discussing unresolved issues with all aspirants present, not knowing that Chief Okeke-Ifi and some visitors went to a primary school inside the church and declared an election," Iloh said. He insisted that any proper election must be conducted in the town hall as stipulated by their constitution.
Aspirants and Igwe-Elect Present Divergent Views
Other aspirants, including Magistrate Onyeka Kanu and Mr Onyeka Ekwueme Okafor, who joined the protests, labeled the election unconstitutional. They pointed to the disenfranchisement of women and the use of a secret ballot system instead of the open 'Option A4' method as key violations.
In contrast, the Igwe-elect, Chief Chibuzor Okeke-Ifi, in an exclusive interview, expressed gratitude to his people for their confidence. He pledged to prioritize unity and community development, with a special focus on education for the town's sons and daughters. He also thanked the Anambra State government for ensuring the election proceeded peacefully as scheduled.
The electoral committee chairman, Hon. William Alex Omenukor, who is the Councillor for Ndiowu ward, had earlier congratulated Chief Okeke-Ifi and called on others to accept the outcome in good faith. This call, however, has fallen on deaf ears as the community remains sharply polarized, setting the stage for a prolonged leadership crisis in Ndiowu.
