The acclaimed traditional ruler -elect of Ojoto community, Idemili South local government area of Anambra state, Dennis Okafor, has dragged the government of Anambra state to court for imposition of another as the monarch
Others dragged to court were the President General (PG) of the town during the period under review, Ifeanyi Umeghalu and some other leaders of the community
Okafor’s anger was that the people of Ojoto had presented him to the local government after going through the necessary rigours and they were waiting for the staff of office from the government, when a top politician (name withheld) went through the back door to present Chief Gerald Mbamalu
And immediately, Mbamalu, was issued the staff of office by the government through one Greg Obi
The situation has heightened tension in the community as the people are now grappling with two traditional rulers.
When the case came up at the Nnewi High court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nriezedi, it was adjourned for 7,12 and 14th of November for continuation of witnesses.
One of the contenders to the throne and presumed people’s choice, Dennis Okafor, entered the witness box where he was drilled by one of the plaintiff’s Counsels, Stanley Iruba
Iruba, tendered many letters written by the community leadership from 2016 that preceded the selection process and constitution review
Those documents were all admitted by Justice Nriezedi as exhibits, despite objections from the Counsel to the other monarch, Dr Jombo Mbamalu
Mbamalu, described two of the documents presented by Iruba as not admissible evidence, calling them,” documentary hear-say”
The emergence of two traditional rulers in Ojoto, has brought enemity among the residents, as fear has gripped both camps over what would be the decision of the court
