Fresh tension is brewing in the Nteje community of Anambra State following an open message from a concerned indigene, Dr. Emmanuel Okafor, who has publicly accused the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, of political interference and disrespect towards the town’s traditional leadership structure.
In a strongly worded statement addressed to the people of Nteje, Dr. Okafor condemned the alleged labeling of the Igwe in Council as “imposters” by the Commissioner, calling the action inflammatory, politically motivated, and a threat to the traditional stability of the community.
According to him, the Igwe in Council has long held a legitimate position in Nteje, with documented recognition from the Anambra State Government. He questioned why, despite this recognition, the council is now being discredited—particularly when the town is facing legal disputes over traditional leadership.
“There is existing evidence of the Igwe in Council’s legitimacy, including an official letterhead issued by the Anambra State Government — a clear indication of their prior recognition,” Okafor stated. “This makes the recent actions and comments by the Commissioner not only questionable but contradictory.”
He further alleged that the Commissioner’s actions may be influenced by an interest in swaying the outcome of a case currently before the courts, expressing deep concern about the politicization of communal matters.
The statement also pointed fingers at the suspended President General of Nteje, Dr. Nnamdi Ilodiuba, accusing him of playing a divisive role and shielding the truth during his tenure. Okafor claims that the resulting confusion and disrespect toward the traditional council can be traced to Ilodiuba’s handling of internal community affairs.
He called on members of the Igwe in Council to refrain from attending a proposed meeting allegedly organized under contentious circumstances, noting that their attendance could be misconstrued and potentially undermine their legitimacy.
“Nteje wake up!” he urged. “Let us speak the truth boldly, no matter how inconvenient it may be.”
Okafor reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and legal due process, encouraging the people of Nteje to seek truth and justice rather than fall for what he described as “falsehood and deception.”
As of the time of this report, the Commissioner has not responded to the allegations. However, the growing public discourse reflects increasing dissatisfaction among some community members over perceived external interference in their traditional affairs.