By Douglas Princemola
Residents of Ezihe Autonomous Community in Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State have called on the Local Government Chairman, Prince Chika Okoroike, to stop interfering in their internal leadership matters.
This appeal came through a respected elder, Elder Charles Chinedu Ekpemadu, JP, who spoke on behalf of the community. Elder Ekpemadu, a former government liaison officer and a Lagos-based chartered accountant, said the Chairman’s actions are creating tension and dividing the people instead of supporting peace.
He accused Prince Okoroike of trying to force new community leaders—specifically a President General and a Youth Leader—on the people without following the usual democratic process that respects the will of the community.
Elder Ekpemadu thanked the traditional ruler of Ezihe, HRH Eze Venerable David Chukwunyere Ogamba, the Traditional Prime Minister, Chief Chinedu Ekpe, and other elders for standing against this interference.
He explained that the crisis started during the 2024 Christmas season when the then-President General, Apostle Kenneth Njoku, was removed due to poor leadership. To find a solution, community elders held a meeting at the home of Chief Sam Uwandu, a respected community member based in the United States. At that meeting, an interim leadership team was formed, with Barr. Uzondu Osunwa chosen as the Acting President General.
However, Elder Ekpemadu said Prince Okoroike refused to accept the interim leadership and instead demanded a new election, which only increased the tension in the community.
To follow the Chairman’s order, the community set up an electoral committee. But instead of having one representative from each of the six villages—Obinaekiti, Ezi-Ukwu, Mbara Egeruo, Umuzohu, Umuohaji, and Mbara Amano—only three people were appointed. This violated the community’s rules and led to widespread rejection of the process.
Chief Chinedu Ekpe, the Traditional Prime Minister, openly disapproved of the flawed committee and reportedly reached out to the Chairman to express his concerns.
Meanwhile, the community was also preparing for the burial of a respected elder, Chief Godson Esomonu Onuabuchi, set for April 30, 2025. Despite the mourning period, a group said to be backed by the LGA Chairman insisted on holding the election on April 31—a date that doesn’t even exist. Many people saw this move as highly disrespectful.
Community leaders suggested rescheduling the election for May 2, 2025, after the burial, but that proposal was ignored. As a result, four villages—Ezi-Ukwu, Umuzohu, Umuohaji, and Mbara Egeruo—boycotted the election. Only Obinaekiti and Mbara Amano took part, and the outcome was rejected by many as unfair.
Elder Ekpemadu also accused the LGA Chairman of threatening to deny essential documents like certificates of origin and attestation letters to families who refused to support him. He described this as a form of political intimidation.
“We are saying clearly that the people of Ezihe should be allowed to choose their leaders freely,” he said. “Our community is guided by a constitution, and our town union elections should not be controlled by any politician or government official.”
He also condemned what he described as an attempt to arrest the Youth Leader, Comrade Ifeanyi Maduforo (also known as “Madosque”), allegedly carried out by members of the Ebubeagu Security Vigilante Group under the Chairman’s instructions.
In addition, Elder Ekpemadu raised concerns about threats from a man named Mr. Buhari Uzowuru, who reportedly said he would deal with anyone standing in the way of his group’s plans to dominate the community.
He called on the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, and other authorities to step in and restore peace. He also reminded everyone that Hon. Paul, the elected Councillor representing Osu Owere Ward II, is the only legal representative of the community at the local government level.
Elder Ekpemadu concluded by announcing that the community plans to hold a peaceful, fair, and lawful election on December 26, 2025, in line with Ezihe’s traditions and constitutional process.
