A concerned elder and prominent figure in Nteje community, Dr. Emmanuel Okafor (Isimu Nsi Gi), has issued a public message to the Anambra State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, accusing him of persistent interference in the traditional affairs of the town, despite ongoing legal proceedings.
In a strongly worded open letter, Dr. Okafor expressed the community’s displeasure over what he described as a pattern of divisive actions allegedly orchestrated by the commissioner, not only in Nteje but across other communities in the state.
He particularly condemned Mr. Nwabunwanne’s recent reference to members of the Igwe-in-Council as “imposters” — a term he described as derogatory, disrespectful, and unbecoming of a state official. According to Dr. Okafor, the Council had only sought legal redress through the court, and the commissioner’s reaction to that move raises questions about his motives.
“This reckless labeling appears to stem from the Council’s decision to join a legitimate court process. If so, the question arises: what exactly are you afraid of?” Okafor asked.
He also criticized the commissioner’s alleged dissemination of selective information through his personal assistant after a closed-door meeting between the suspended President General, Dr. Nnamdi Ilodiuba, and the Board of Trustees, saying it further exposed a pattern of biased narratives.
Dr. Okafor raised a series of pointed questions, including inquiries about possible inducement:
“How much were you paid to interfere in Nteje affairs again? How many more communities will suffer division under your watch before your tenure ends?”
He warned that any further intrusion into Nteje’s internal matters, particularly those under judicial consideration, would not be tolerated. “Your current attempt to involve yourself in the ongoing court-related Igwe matter may very well be your final interference in our community – the last straw,” he said.
Dr. Okafor called for transparency, neutrality, and respect for due process, stating that no government official should act as judge, jury, and executioner in traditional matters — especially when their actions appear compromised.
The message comes amid a prolonged leadership dispute in Nteje, which has drawn attention from various stakeholders in Anambra State.