The Udi community implores Governor Ugwuanyi to recognize their preferred monarch

The residents of the Udi community in Enugu State’s Udi Local Government Area have pleaded with the state government to recognize Chief Sam Aneke, a retired controller of customs, as their traditional leader.

The request was made on Friday when a large crowd of locals flocked to Aneke’s house in Udi town.

They all agreed that Aneke should succeed Okwuluoha IV of the old kingdom of Udi as the next traditional ruler.

The appeal was made a few years after HRH, Igwe Chris Ogakwu, the Okwuluoha 3rd of the ancient kingdom of Udi, passed away.

The meeting was based on the choice of well-meaning residents of Udi town to elect their traditional ruler in a peaceful manner, said Chief Simeon Eze, Secretary of the Igwe’s cabinet, speaking on behalf of the group.

Chief Eze regretted that the previous election of traditional leaders had been marred by animosity, which in turn had prevented the community from developing.

However, he claimed that after considering all the qualified applicants, the community had determined that Aneke was deserving of taking the vacant stool.

“We are here to honor those who deserve it and to pay homage to them. This never occurred in the history of the neighborhood. Elections for Okwuluoha 1, 2, and 3 have been contentious, competitive, and problematic. Typically, it concludes in court five to six years after the winner is declared.

But today, well-intentioned Uditown residents, including the elderly, children, women, members of the Igwe’s cabinet, and progressive unions, urged we must stop electing our Igwe in a disorderly manner and instead conduct the election calmly. To keep things moving, we had to look for someone deserving and capable in both character and education.

“So, that is the reason we have come together today. We evaluated every candidate and determined that Chief Sam Aneke was deserving. We want to let everyone know that God has purposed for us to be here today. It’s ordained because in the history of traditional rulership in the Udi ancient kingdom, starting from 1976, we have never had it peaceful like this.

“The Okwuluoha 2 was never a cabinet member of Okwuluoha 1 and Okwuluoha 3, was never a cabinet member of Okwuluoha 2 but this time around, Chief Aneke who is going to ascend the throne by our collective wish is a member of the traditional council; apart from being a member, he is a member of upper cabinet in Aborgu and a Prime minister. He is qualified, according to our constitution, because it’s the turn of his kinsmen to produce the next Igwe,” he said.

A former House of Representatives member, Hon. Tony Eneh also disclosed that the event was unique considering what transpired during the election of the previous traditional rulers, including his late father, who was the Okwuluoha 2 of Udi ancient kingdom.

He appealed to the Enugu State government to speed up the process and do the needful.

Also speaking, the women and youth leaders, Mrs Ngozi Agbo and Ikenna Chime, respectively, said that it was a new dawn in the Udi town community, stressing that they never had it so good in Udi town.

They declared their unalloyed support for Chief Aneke, adding that it is either him or nobody.

Responding, Chief Aneke, who is also the Prime minister of the community, expressed surprise, assuring them of his readiness to render service to the community.

While assuring to carry everybody along, he urged the community to work towards sustaining the peace God has given them.

He pledged to deliver quality leadership and uphold the custom of the Udi ancient kingdom.

“I am overwhelmed. This is a surprise to me. What you did today has never happened in the history of Udi town. God has restored peace. I will make sure we sustain the peace and speedy the development of our community.

“On behalf of my family, friends and relatives, I have accepted to serve you. Let us work on the peace God has given to us, let us join hands together to sustain it. Leadership is for everyone, not a one person thing. I can’t do it alone.

“By the will of God, I have no choice but to accept your wish and demand. Your approach and demand is for the good of Udi people.

“I will deliver quality leadership and as a custodian of culture, will uphold the culture of our community. I will carry everybody along and nothing will be resolved without the agreement of our people,” he assured.