Ogbunka Youth Association opens up on Igweship crisis , declares it’s stand on Ihejiofor, Anyaoha, warns Eze
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF OGBUNKA YOUTH ASSOCIATION GENERAL EMERGENCY MEETING HELD AT OGBUNKA CIVIC CENTRE ON FRIDAY 15TH JANUARY 2021
We the executives and members of Ogbunka Youth Association, the apex body representing all youths in the entire five villages of Ogbunka both home and abroad, met today to deliberate on the escalating rhetoric and dangerous precedent being set by a certain small group of self-serving individuals, who are bent on fomenting trouble in our peaceful community.
It has become imperative at this point, that we clearly state the facts for all and sundry to know, and also make our position clearly known on issues concerning the traditional throne of Ogbunka ancient Kingdom.
On the Throne
Ogbunka has been without a traditional ruler for the past 12 years, after the demise of our late Igwe Esiobu. The entire town decided to come up with a new and generally accepted ruler, via an election process.
To our greatest surprise and shock, on the 2nd of December 2020, one Mr JohnMark Anayaoha, boycotted all laid down procedures and structures in Ogbunka, secretly gathered a few old men and purportedly crowned himself “king”! He immediately rushed to Awka to deceive and hoodwink the authorities into legalizing the travesty of his emergence.
He arrogantly disregarded the titled chiefs and the input of the entire village, including the kingmakers, all traditional authority, Ogbunka Development Union and the entire Ogbunka kingdom.
Ogbunka only woke up to hear about this abomination and in a general outcry, both the young and old, men and women, home and abroad, were so outraged at the arrogance and spite on Ogbunka by Mr Johnmark, that we quickly marched to Awka to alert the government of this illegality, and strongly dissociate our self from Johnmark Anayaoha.
On 5th of December 2020, the traditional leaders of the entire five villages of Ogbunka, the Amala, Titled chiefs, Red cap Chiefs and Kingmakers of Ogbunka, gathered in a general ceremony in the presence Ogbunka Development Union and the general public, to elect the true King of Ogbunka, HRH Igwe Ohazurume Chief Dr Forster Ihejiofor, Nka 1 of Ogbunka.
This was not a secret affair like the charade of Johnmark Anyaoha, but a very public event, attended by Ogbunka people from all five villages.
The “offor” or symbol of authority was also publicly handed to our new Igwe.
In addition, on the 7th of January 2021, the heads of all traditional authority in Ogbunka ancient Kingdom, the individual heads of all five villages in Ogbunka and holders of the village symbols of authority, also gathered to present HRH Igwe Dr Forster Ihejiofor, with a formal letter of recognition, as the Igwe of Ogbunka Kingdom.
Today, we the general body of Ogbunka Youth Association, also publicly declare HRH Igwe Dr Forster Ihejiofor, as the duly elected and constitutionally recognized Igwe of Ogbunka kingdom.
On the Antics of Mr JohnMark Anyaoha
We do not have any personal problem with Mr JohnMark Anyaoha, he has every right to contest the throne of Ogbunka Kingdom, following due process. Our problem is that Mr JohnMark Anyaoha crowned himself “King”!
That is NEVER done in Igboland! It is an abomnination, a travesty, “Nso ala”!
If Mr JohnMark had interest in becoming King, he would have presented himself openly, and allowed Ogbunka people to make their own choice using option A4, as was previously agreed.
Unfortunately, that boat has sailed, and Ogbunka has made their choice of HRH Igwe Ohazurume, Chief Dr Forster Ihejiofor.
It has come to our notice that Mr JohnMark Anyaoha has stubbornly refused to accept the general decision of Ogbunka home and abroad, Ogbunka Development Union, titled chiefs, red cap chiefs and kingmakers from all five villages.
He has continued to sow seeds of discord and foment trouble amongst our people with blatant lies, intimidation, blackmail, manipulation and other vices, while still parading himself as a “self-crowned king”.
It is ironical to note that Mr JohnMark Anyaoha calls himself “Igwe-elect”. The question everyone should ask him is: Elected by who?
Our Resolution
Today, 15th of January 2020, Ogbunka Youths general meeting at Ogbunka Civic Centre ably represented by youths from all 5 villages, have resolved the following:
- Our Igwe:
We the Ogbunka Youth Association, representing all youths in Ogbunka, home and abroad, have all with one voice, declared that the recognized and constitutional king of Ogbunka Kingdom, is HRH Igwe Ohazurume, Chief Dr Forster Ezenwa Ihejiofor, who has been duly elected by the people of Ogbunka, following laid down procedures and abiding by all constituted authority.
Any person dealing with any other charlatan claiming to be Igwe, is doing so at his or her own risk.
- To Mr JohnMark Anyaoha
Mr Johnmark Anayaoha, “wepu aka enwe na-ofe, tupu owo aka mmadu”
Stop arrogating power to yourself and parading yourself as Igwe. You have defied all constituted authority in Ogbunka both traditional and executive, in a bid to impose yourself on the people.
Let it be known to you today, that it will NEVER happen in this life, as long as we the youths are concerned! We have resolved to fight to the last drop of our blood, against your high handedness, intimidation, manipulation, harassment of innocent people and lies.
You have no respect nor regard for Ogbunka Development Union, Umuokpu Ogbunka, Titled Chiefs, Amala and indeed all constituted authority and people Ogbunka.
Can a man crown himself king against the wishes of the entire town?
Your selfish desire will NEVER BE REALISED in this generation
We therefore use this medium to send a strong message to Mr JohnMark Anyaoha and his cronies, to henceforth desist from harassing innocent and law abiding citizens of Ogbunka, and parading himself as a “self-elected Igwe”
We also demand that YOU, Mr JohnMark Anyaoha, should tender an unreserved apology to the entire town which you have insulted with your arrogance and beastly actions.
We the entire youths of Ogbunka, will no longer stand idly by, while you attempt to sabotage our elders and constituted authority, and also disrupt the unity and peace of our beloved town.
- To The Government Of Anambra State
We the youths and the entire people of Ogbunka, have protested twice at the government house Awka. We have been assured by the commissioner for local government affairs and chieftaincy matters that the government will not impose any person on Ogbunka, but will allow the will of the people to prevail.
We are aware that Mr JohnMark Anyaoha and his cronies, are making frantic and desperate efforts to claim the throne of Ogbunka.
We, therefore, want to reiterate our stand that we will not allow Mr. JohnMark to misguide any government official into creating violence and trouble in our peaceful community.
If the government has any doubt whatsoever as to the desire of Ogbunka people, they should come to Ogbunka and conduct an open and public assessment or re-election in a worst-case scenario, but the government must not make the mistake of setting Ogbunka on fire, by recognizing the illegal action of one man who is trying to be King at all cost.
- Oppression Of The Less Privileged
We are aware of the wicked act by Mr. Johnmark Anyaoha, of refusing to pay people who do jobs for him. He has mastered the act of intimidating and harassing people he owes, instead of paying them the little money he owes them. We do not want such a character to become the head of our town!
God Forbid!
If anyone is in doubt about this fact, kindly make inquiries about his obligations to those who carry out menial work for him. You will get countless reports of non-payment of wages and oppression of workers.
We do not want this to happen in Ogbunka
- Failure To Honour Pledges
We, Ogbunka Youths Association do not want “Igwe, I won’t pay”!
It is on record that Mr. JohnMark Anayaoha has a history of not honoring pledges that he makes voluntarily.
Everyone is aware of his failure to honor a pledge he made to our youth football event.
He openly boasted that “He won’t pay”! What kind of arrogance is this! And more importantly, what kind of character refuses to honor a pledge that he voluntarily made?
This is an event that has been sponsored by illustrious sons of Ogbunka like HRH Chief Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, who sponsored this event for many years.
Our brother Nwatakwocha and Paul in USA, also sponsored this youth event at other times, without any problem.
JohnMark Anyaoha messed up this great occasion that brings our youth together, not only that he failed to honor his pledge to our youth, but also boasting about it, and thereby setting a dangerous precedent for future sponsors.
A man who cannot honor his own pledge, cannot be trusted to carry out any promise he makes. So we know that all his current promises today, are empty words meant to deceive the weak minded.
Actions speak louder than words! - Idolatry and WitchCraft
One thing that Mr. JohnMark Anayaoha has used to deceive some people, is the promise of rebuilding tradition. Let us quickly explain that what he means by tradition, is rebuilding the temples of idolatry and black magic that has hindered the spiritual progress of Ogbunka for donkey years.
Ogbunka began to see light and progress, when idolatry, witchcraft, and black magic were resisted by people of God. While we respect freedom of worship, we as Ogbunka youths and the future of our generation, do not welcome anything that will draw us backward, or cage us in ignorance.
This is the era of information and technology, and we need technocrats that will help our youths to harness and focus their talents for the development of our town, our state, and our nation.
- Intimidation, Lies, And Blackmail
We will no longer tolerate the level of gross intimidation and harassment on peace-loving citizens of Ogbunka. We strongly warn Mr. JohnMark Anyeoha, to desist from intimidating and harassing our people, elected officials, and respected elders.
Mr. Johnmark Anyaoha has consistently fabricated many dangerous and malicious lies against elders and respected persons in the town. He openly challenged the legitimacy of the current ODU executives, who were duly elected PUBLICLY using option A4.
He has fabricated countless lies against the person of HRH Chief Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, not leaving out our elders and symbols of authority in the town.
We the youths will no longer watch him try to destroy the unity of our town, and will henceforth call him out for every lie he spews out.
- To The Few Cronies of Mr. JohnMark Anyaoha
We also use this opportunity to warn his cronies, like Mr. Bernard Eze, to desist henceforth from trying to intimidate Awuka Youths and their Leadership with threats of impeachment and incessant harassment.
Ogbunka Youth will no longer tolerate such acts of cowardice and brute abuse of power.
We have resolved that if Mr. Bernard Eze continues to harass Awuka Youth leadership, we the entire youths of Ogbunka will demand an explanation from him, and hold him accountable. Mr Bernard Eze, be warned or get ready to face the consequences of dancing shamelessly to your paymaster!
Our Stand:
Finally, we want to make it abundantly clear that we the executives of Ogbunka Youth Association, representing all the youths of Ogbunka both home and abroad, will stand with Justice and the people’s wish, on issue of the ancient throne of Ogbunka Kingdom.
We inform the public that the duly elected and constitutionally recognized Igwe of Ogbunka, is HRH Igwe Ohazurume, Chief Dr Forster Ezenwa Ihejiofor, the Nka 1 of Ogbunka Kingdom.
Moving Forward:
We want to use this opportunity to alert all legally constituted authority, including the police, the military and all security operatives, Anambra state government, traditional rulers in Anambra state, and all peace-loving citizens of Anambra state, that we the youths of Ogbunka, will not sit by, and allow one man try to truncate the will of the people of Ogbunka.
We have peacefully protested twice at government house Awka, and we received the promise of the commissioner of local government affairs and chieftaincy matters that rule of law and justice will prevail in Ogbunka. He has promised us that the Anambra state government will not impose anyone on Ogbunka, but will allow Ogbunka people to choose their own Igwe.
In line with this directive, the entire people of Ogbunka have clearly made their choice of HRH Igwe Ohazurume Chief Dr. Forster Ezenwa Ihejiofor, and we the youths will always come out en-mass to protect and defend the will of our people.
We plead with the government of Anambra state and security operatives to support us and work in line with the will of Ogbunka people. Do not allow any government official to set fire on Ogbunka, based on any sentiments.
We kindly ask you to wade into this issue once and for all and call Mr. JohnMark Anyaoha to order. Kindly support this great community, to ensure that peace and justice reign in this town and in our beloved state.
Do not allow the avarice and inordinate ambition of one man, to destroy the peace and unity of this great community.
We the youths will not stand for this.
Signed:
General President Ogbunka Youth Association: Hon. Comr. Ezendu Chisom Ifeanyichukwu.
Awuka Youth Leader: Okoli Chinedu
Isiokpu Youth Leader: Umeh Nnaemeka
Agbala Youth Leader: Anula Micheal
Umunobe Youth Leader: Anyacho Ignatius
Akwuoba Youth Leader: Ezeabikwa Chidozie
