Tension in Anambra community as former House of Representatives member battles businessman over Ikemba title

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Tension is brewing in Nnobi Community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State over Ikemba title between the two illustrious sons of the community, High Chief Hamilton Emeka Ezeonu and Amb. Jerry Ugokwe are they locked up in epic battle for the title.

The tension came amidst efforts by the supporters of Amb. Ugokwe, former House of Representatives member to battle Ezeonu to a standstill and wrestle the title of Ikemba bestowed on him by the traditional ruler of Nnobi, Igwe Engr Nick Obi (FNSE).

Chief Ezonu from Ebenesi village along with five orther prominent sons of Nnobi were confered with special title by the traditional ruler of the community and his title for that special conferement was Ikemba, Nnobi.

But Amb Ugokwe who is from Ngo quarters protested against the conferement,saying that he was awarded the title by late Igwe of Nnobi, Edmund Ezeokoli in 1999.

However, in a bid to resolve the matter, a peace Committee convened by Okpala, Nnobi, Chief Ifezue Onyechi, made up of 30 members, nine from each of the three quarters of Nnobi of Awuda, Ngo and Ebenesi was set up.

The peace Committee was said to have recommended that both Ezeonu and Ugokwe should use both title.

But some elements within the committee said to be working for Ugokwe were said to have doctored the report for Ezeonu to drop Ikemba title for Ugokwe, sparking off controversy in the community.

However supporters of Ezeonu who said he has been working to lift the community insisted that he is the real Ikemba of Nnobi since he went through all the necessary procedure including screening by a committee set by the palace and went through successfully.
They insisted that there is no way he would drop the title.

A member of the committee who was angered by the alleged doctoring of the committee report had filed petition against the four members who were accused of being behind the forging of the report.

A source who pleaded anonymity said High Chief Ezeonu has more than enough reasons to bear the Ikemba title because it was a special title which he was made to go through screening before it was bestowed on him.

He said Ezeonu equally satisfied all the requirements before the tittle was bestowed on him including all the constitutional requirements of the community.