Ajede Intervenes, Resolves Leadership Dispute In Obiaruku

The Executive Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. C.S. Possible Ajede (Ph.D.), has stepped in to resolve a lingering leadership dispute in Obiaruku Community over the rightful occupant of the position of Okpala Uku General.

The intervention took place during a high-level meeting held yesterday in Obiaruku, where the Chairman convened a “meeting of truth” with traditional chiefs drawn from all 13 quarters of the community.

According to accounts from the meeting, the Chairman carefully reviewed the matter from its inception, ensuring that all parties were given fair hearing as tensions surrounding the installation of a new Okpala Uku General threatened community unity.

During deliberations, the chiefs highlighted key issues surrounding the selection process. In response, the Chairman requested official records of the council, particularly a 2021 committee report he had set up to document the ages of four elders in each quarter of the community. The committee, chaired by the late Mr. Osekene, had its findings presented at the meeting, with some members also in attendance.

The report was read aloud before the council of chiefs, and its contents formed the basis of the resolution. It confirmed the status of the current Okpala Uku General as the rightful traditional leader. The document reportedly showed that although contenders shared the same birth year, the present occupant was listed first in the official record.

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Hon. Ajede emphasized the importance of relying on duly documented and signed community records in resolving traditional disputes, noting that the legitimacy of leadership must be anchored on established procedure and collective agreement.

He also criticized the installation of a new Okpala Uku General without adherence to due process, describing it as capable of deepening division within the community.

Following the committee’s recommendations, the Onochi Eze and palace chiefs were directed to engage stakeholders from the Umusume and Obi-Ugbe quarters to pacify tensions and strengthen reconciliation efforts across Obiaruku.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the chiefs reportedly commended the Chairman for what they described as a “Solomon-like” approach to conflict resolution, pledging renewed commitment to peace, unity, and collective progress in Obiaruku.