A fresh wave of controversy has erupted in Nteje community, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, as a concerned indigene, Dr. Emmanuel Okafor, has publicly accused the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, of interference in the community’s internal leadership crisis.
In a strongly worded open letter that has begun circulating across community platforms and social media, Dr. Okafor alleged that the Commissioner has been meddling in an ongoing legal tussle involving the Igwe-in-Council and the suspended President General (PG), Dr. Nnamdi Iloduuba. The accusations center on what the writer described as “reckless labeling” of respected council members as “imposters” and the premature release of confidential meeting details by the Commissioner’s aide to serve a specific narrative.
“The people of Nteje are deeply troubled by your apparent bias and your continuous meddling in matters that are already before a competent court of law,” Okafor wrote, warning that such actions could further deepen division within the community.
The open letter also questioned the motive behind the Commissioner’s alleged conduct and raised several rhetorical concerns including possible financial inducements, manipulation of court-related issues, and broader implications for other communities in the state.
“How much were you paid to interfere in Nteje affairs again?” the letter queried. “How many more communities will suffer division under your watch before your tenure ends?”
While there has been no official response from Mr. Nwabunwanne or his office at the time of filing this report, the allegations are sparking renewed concerns over the handling of traditional and chieftaincy matters by the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs across various communities in Anambra State.
Dr. Emmanuel Okafor, who signed the letter as a “Concerned Nteje Man,” called for transparency, neutrality, and respect for due process, warning that Nteje community will not remain silent if their institutions and traditions continue to be undermined.
Observers believe that the current development, if not properly managed, could inflame tensions in a community already grappling with leadership disputes and legal battles.
Efforts to reach officials from the Ministry for a comment on the accusations proved unsuccessful as of press time.
The situation in Nteje underscores a growing demand for impartiality and lawful conduct in the state’s management of community and traditional affairs, especially in cases with pending judicial proceedings.