The Abiaziem Autonomous Community wishes to categorically reject the false and misleading narrative being circulated by Dr. Nnamdi Obasi and his associates regarding his purported position as Eze Elect of Abiaziem.
After due consultations and a careful review of facts, we wish to clarify the following:
No Community Endorsement: At no time did the Abiaziem Autonomous Community nominate or endorse Dr. Nnamdi Obasi as its Eze Elect. His claim lacks legitimacy and communal backing.
Ezeship Offer Was Previously Rejected by His Family: It is on record that the Ezeship was originally offered to the family of Dr. Nnamdi Obasi. However, his father, Elder Francis Obasi, and all members of the family categorically rejected the offer, stating openly that it was better to use their money to invest in buying shares rather than take up the traditional leadership. This outright rejection by his family led the community to unanimously give the mandate to the current Eze Elect, Sir Japheth Irogbarachi.
May 11, 2025 Town Meeting Resolution: During the general town meeting held on May 11, 2025, the community unanimously reaffirmed its support for Sir Japheth Irogbarachi, who was duly elected as Eze Elect in 2014. Dr. Obasi was advised to support the existing mandate for the greater unity of Abiaziem.
Manipulative, Reckless, and a Threat to Peace: Instead of respecting the collective decision, Dr. Obasi and his allies concocted a list of so-called “Concerned Stakeholders,” including individuals of questionable credibility, to falsely declare him Eze Elect. This act was manipulative, reckless, and a threat to peace in Abiaziem and its environs.
Contradictory Endorsements by Eze Ononuju: The Traditional Ruler of Awa Ancient Kingdom, HRH Eze Felix Ihezie Ononuju, who had earlier presented Sir Japheth Irogbarachi as Eze Elect, later turned around to endorse Dr. Obasi. This inconsistency undermines the credibility of the entire process.
PG Presentation in 2019: In 2019, Elder Francis Obasi, father of Dr. Nnamdi Obasi and then President General of Abiaziem, personally led the formal presentation of Sir Japheth Irogbarachi to the Oguta Local Government Council.
Official Recognition and Payment: Sir Japheth Irogbarachi received official recognition from the government of Governor Rochas Okorocha following the duly receipted payment for the Staff of Office.
False WAEC Sponsorship Claim: Dr. Obasi’s assertion that he solely sponsored 50 WAEC candidates is untrue. Only 13 students were registered, and their sponsorship came from a collective donation of various Abiaziem sons and daughters. Dr. Obasi contributed ₦120,000, just like many others.
Community Leadership Not Involved: The current, duly elected leadership of Abiaziem was neither informed of nor participated in the purported presentation. There was no communal or official endorsement of Dr. Obasi.
External Mobilization by Eze Ononuju: The supposed event was largely orchestrated by HRH Eze Ononuju of Awa Ancient Kingdom, who brought in outsiders and a few uninformed locals to give false legitimacy to the event.
Absence of Dr. Obasi at His Own Presentation: Ironically, Dr. Obasi was not even present at the event. His citation was read by Mr. Christian Igwe, while Mr. Ephraim Igwe stood in for him an action in complete defiance of the community’s collective decision.
Abiaziem’s Communal Governance Tradition: Abiaziem practices a communal system of governance rooted in unity and inclusiveness. Major decisions are made at the general assembly during Uka Afor, where all voices are heard and resolutions are binding on all citizens. It was under this transparent and collective structure that Sir Japheth Irogbarachi emerged as the legitimate Eze Elect.
Conclusion
The actions of Dr. Nnamdi Obasi and his supporters are not only divisive but a deliberate attempt to destabilize the peace, unity, and progress of Abiaziem. We, the people of Abiaziem, reject his claims in totality and reaffirm our unwavering support for the legitimate Eze Elect, Sir Japheth Irogbarachi.
Signed Abiaziem Town Development Union (ATDU) Abiaziem Autonomous Community
