Awka traditionalists back Ndigwe, condemn Soludo Commission findings

Chairman of Omenani Awka, the apex body of traditionalists in Awka Kingdom, Chief Toochukwu Nwokoye Nwosu, has reaffirmed Chief Austin Ndigwe as the legitimate monarch of the community, rejecting the outcome of the Commission of Inquiry set up by Charles Chukwuma Soludo.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, Nwosu described the panel’s findings, which reinstated Obi Gibson Nwosu and invalidated Ndigwe’s claim, as biased, unacceptable, and a direct affront to the customs and traditions of Awka people.

According to him, the decision of the panel amounts to an imposition that undermines the authority of Ndi Omenala, the custodians of the community’s ancestral heritage.

“The panel’s outcome is a direct assault on our ancestral heritage and the sacred customs of Ndi Omenala. We reject it in its entirety,” he declared. “The so-called Commission failed to honor the true voice of the land and instead sought to subordinate our age-old traditional institution to external religious and political interests.”

Nwosu further revealed that the group had earlier approached the court and secured a subsisting injunction protecting the autonomy of traditional practices in Awka. He explained that the order clearly delineates the roles of religious institutions and traditional authorities.

“The court order allows the Church to continue its religious activities without hindrance, while fully permitting Ndi Omenala to carry out our traditional rites, ceremonies, and recognition of leadership. The law has spoken, and we will defend that boundary,” he said.

The Omenani chairman also issued a direct warning to the Anambra State Government, insisting that no form of pressure would compel traditionalists to accept what he described as a “church-aligned leader” as their king.

“Governor Soludo will not force Ndi Omenala to bow to a church leader as our Eze. Tradition is not for sale or political convenience. It has existed long before any government and will continue to endure,” he added.

Raising concerns over the potential consequences of the government’s stance, Nwosu warned that attempts to impose leadership could disrupt the peace in the kingdom.

“The land of Awka will not forgive attempts to sow discord and confusion. The ancestors are witnesses, and the soil remembers such desecrations,” he stated.

Despite the controversy, he maintained that Awka had enjoyed relative peace and development since the 2017 dethronement of Gibson Nwosu by kingmakers, describing the period as one of stability and progress.

“Awka has remained peaceful and progressive since that historic correction. Markets are thriving, communities are stable, and development has continued because the land is aligned with its rightful custodians,” he said.

He, however, called on residents, particularly traditionalists, to remain calm and law-abiding amid the tensions.
“I urge all Ndi Omenala—our youths, elders, market women, and sons and daughters of Awka—to remain calm, resolute, and united. We will not be provoked into chaos. Our duty is to defend our heritage with dignity,” Nwosu said.

The development comes amid heightened tension following the submission of the Commission’s report, which the state government has indicated will culminate in a White Paper aimed at upholding the rule of law and rejecting dual traditional rulership in communities.

However, Omenani Awka insists that its allegiance remains firmly rooted in indigenous customs and traditions, maintaining that Chief Austin Ndigwe embodies the authentic leadership of the kingdom and vowing to continue its traditional rites under the protection of the court injunction.