By Our Correspondent
A controversy has erupted in Oru-West Local Government Area of Imo State following allegations that the immediate past Executive Chairman, Hon. Engr. Ikenna Anthony Adikibe, has yet to hand over the administration of the council to the Director of Administration and General Services (DAGs).
The development has sparked public interest, with questions being raised about the transition of administrative authority following the expiration of the tenure of the former elected local government chairmen in the state.
Reports circulating on the matter alleged that Adikibe had failed to comply with a directive reportedly issued by Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, requiring outgoing council chairmen to hand over to the appropriate administrative authorities.
According to the reports, the directive was intended to ensure the smooth running of local government councils pending the conduct of the next local government elections.
However, Adikibe has strongly rejected the allegation, describing the report as fake, unfounded and misleading.
When contacted by journalists for his reaction, the former chairman reportedly dismissed the publication, insisting that it did not reflect the true situation surrounding the handover process.
He attributed the allegation to political detractors and what he described as enemies of progress, whom he accused of attempting to damage his reputation and misrepresent events.
Adikibe further stated that, as of press time, he was in his office in Abuja, maintaining that the claims against him were baseless.
Despite his denial, some individuals reportedly familiar with developments at the Oru-West Local Government Headquarters in Mgbidi have offered a different account of the situation.
The individuals, who spoke on condition of anonymity over fears of possible repercussions, reportedly claimed that the formal handover to the Director of Administration and General Services had yet to take place.
They allegedly maintained that the transition process remained incomplete, raising further questions about the current administrative arrangements at the council.
Nevertheless, these claims have not been independently verified, and no documentary evidence establishing the precise status of the handover was provided in the information available for this report.
The conflicting accounts have placed the matter at the centre of public discussion, with Adikibe rejecting the allegations while the unnamed sources maintain that the handover had yet to be completed.
The situation underscores the importance of clear communication and transparency during administrative transitions, particularly at the local government level, where continuity of public services remains essential.
Local government councils play important roles in grassroots development, including the provision of basic services, coordination of community programmes and implementation of policies that directly affect residents.
Consequently, any uncertainty surrounding the transfer of administrative responsibilities is likely to attract public attention, especially when questions arise about compliance with government directives.
Adikibe previously served as Imo State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and also held the position of Deputy National President of the association.
His previous leadership roles have made him a notable figure in local government administration, adding to public interest in the unfolding controversy.
Meanwhile, the next local government elections in Imo State have reportedly been scheduled for November 7, 2026, by the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC).
The period preceding the elections is expected to involve administrative arrangements to ensure that local government affairs continue without disruption until newly elected officials assume office.
Against this background, clarification from the state government, the relevant local government authorities and the Director of Administration and General Services in Oru-West would help establish the actual position regarding the alleged handover delay.
Such clarification would also help resolve the conflicting accounts and provide residents with a clearer understanding of the administrative situation in their local government area.
For now, the allegation that Adikibe refused to hand over remains disputed. While the former chairman has described the report as fake, the claims attributed to anonymous sources have yet to be independently confirmed.
As the controversy unfolds, the key question remains whether the formal handover has been completed and what the relevant authorities have to say about the situation. An official statement or documentary confirmation would be necessary to establish the facts conclusively.
This report presents allegations and responses that have not been independently verified. The claims should not be treated as established facts pending confirmation from the relevant authorities.
