CurrentReport Blog Nimo community in the Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State have staged a protest at the Anambra State Government House, demanding the removal of their traditional ruler, Igwe Maxi Ike Oliobi. The protest, which took place on [Date], saw around 80 women, mostly elderly and scantily clad in black, marching in protest. Many of the women bared their breasts in an act of defiance and frustration, calling attention to what they described as an ongoing issue of land dispossession and abuse of power by their monarch.
The protestors, led by Mrs. Catherine Akunna, presented a letter to the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, outlining their grievances. At the heart of the protest was the claim that Igwe Maxi Ike Oliobi had allegedly sold off a large expanse of land known as “Ala Owa,” which the community considers its ancestral land, traditionally owned by the entire Nimo community. The land, they argue, is the result of a historic conquest during a past war, and its sale, they say, has left the community without space for farming and other essential activities.
Allegations of Land Sale and Abuse of Power
In the letter submitted to the state government, the women expressed their deep concerns over the alleged actions of the monarch, stating that the land was sold off without the consent of the community members. Mrs. Akunna, the leader of the protesting women, voiced the frustrations of the group, saying, “Our traditional ruler has sold off all the land, and now we’re left with no land for our farming activities. That is why we are here to beg the governor to remove him. We are Nimo Women Folk, and our male counterparts have protested before, and we are here to back them up.”
The protestors’ letter outlined their demands, appealing to Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to intervene and address the alleged misconduct of Igwe Oliobi. According to the women, the monarch’s actions have caused immense division and unrest in the community. The letter read: “We appeal to your good office, Sir, to call to order our traditional ruler, Igwe Maxi Oliobi, over his insistence that a peaceful town like Nimo community, will no longer know peace during his reign.”
The women further accused the traditional ruler of using his position to intimidate and harass the community’s inhabitants, including both men and women, with the assistance of security operatives. They expressed growing unease over the fear and discomfort his reign has generated.
Government Response and Promises of Resolution
Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, the Secretary to the State Government, received the protest letter on behalf of Governor Soludo and promised to bring both parties together to seek a lasting resolution to the issue. He acknowledged the significance of the matter and assured the women that their concerns would be addressed promptly.
Additionally, Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, stated that the core issue in the community was the sale of the Ala Owa land. He explained that the traditional stool and town union were intact and did not present any problems. He assured the public that his office would work with the Commissioner for Lands to address the dispute over the land and resolve the issue for the community.
Traditional Ruler’s Defense and Community Division
In response to the allegations, Igwe Maxi Ike Oliobi has consistently denied claims of selling community land for personal gain. According to the monarch, the decision to utilize the disputed land for an estate project was made during a general meeting with the community. He maintains that the project was meant to benefit the community and that all actions taken were done with the consent of the people.
Despite the controversy, there have also been solidarity rallies organized by members of the community who support Igwe Oliobi’s reign, emphasizing the division within Nimo. While some residents support the traditional ruler, others, like the protesting women, believe that his actions have caused significant harm to the community’s well-being.
A Divided Community and the Road Ahead
The protests have brought to the forefront the deep divisions within the Nimo community over the leadership of Igwe Maxi Ike Oliobi. With the matter now in the hands of the Anambra State government, it remains to be seen how the dispute will be resolved. The outcome of this conflict will have lasting implications for the traditional leadership structure in Nimo and could serve as a case study for other communities grappling with similar issues surrounding land rights and leadership accountability.
As the situation unfolds, the people of Nimo await a resolution that will restore peace and ensure the sustainable use of their communal resources.
