RAYMOND OZOJI reports
Ogbunike community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State is set to get another traditional ruler after 5 years of intensive search and vacuum created in the throne of the community as a result of the exit of the former monarch.
The Igweship election of the community slated for 13th September this year as ratified by the Anambra State Government will help produce another traditional ruler who will occupy the vacant throne of Ogbunike ancient kingdom where the world's renowned Ogbunike Cave resides.
Information from the community has it that the Anambra State Government has approved Saturday, September 13, 2025, as the official date for the Igwe Ogbunike Election, signaling a significant step forward in restoring traditional leadership to the historic Ogbunike community.
It said that the decision of the state government to conduct the Igweship election is sequel to the Ogbunike Stakeholders Meeting held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, with the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Hon. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, during which an agreement was reached and approval granted for the long-anticipated election to be held at Ogbunike Town Hall on the appointed date.
In accordance with Section 6(2) of the Igwe Ogbunike Constitution of 1978, voting will be open to all indigenes aged 18 years and above, regardless of gender or kindred. It further revealed that the inclusive approach adopted for the Igweship election reflected the community's commitment to transparency, unity, and democratic tradition in the selection of its next monarch.
The President General of Ogbunike Progress Union (OPU) Chief Tochukwu Ojiakor expressed optimism about the development, noting that while some differing opinions had been aired during prior consultations, the community is now unified in following the constitutional provision of a whole-community vote. "We are guided by what is enshrined in our constitution. The government has approved September for Ogbunike, and we will proceed as a united people," he stated.
The stakeholders meeting was attended by prominent community leaders and traditional title holders, viz Chief Cyprian Agwuenu, Chief Ikechukwu Odinmuo, Elder Dr. Obi Anyanyo, Chief Engr. Ikenna Aniekwena, Sir Maduka Agudosi, Chief Elo Gwacham, Ogbuefi Sir Timothy Ikechukwu Onwuka, Chief Mbanefo Amobi, Chief Chuma-Odili Harris Udokamma (Ogene Ogbunike) Chief Toochukwu Obiakor, among others.
All parties at the meeting however expressed satisfaction with the government’s support and called on eligible voters to prepare for a peaceful and orderly election process.
As preparations intensify, the Ogbunike community is therefore urged to give the announcement the wide publicity it deserves and to participate actively in what is expected to be a historic and unifying event. Hence, the sacred throne of Ogbunike awaits its next custodian and that the people should be allowed to decide as well as determine who ascends the throne of Ogbunike kingdom.
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