Igweship Tussle: Anambra community writes Soludo, Police over illegal new yam festival

Tensions have escalated in the Ihite Community of Orumba South Local Government Area, Anambra State, over the scheduling of the community's annual new yam festival. This comes amidst a contentious dispute over the traditional throne of the community. Chief Timothy Okwudiri Ifurunwa was installed as the traditional ruler of Ihite in January 2026, following his issuance of a certificate of recognition by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

Prior to his installation, the Ihite Traditional Council raised objections to the selection process, contending that they were excluded and a fraudulent council was used instead. These concerns were taken to court, resulting in a court order that annulled and set aside the coronation until pending issues regarding the selection were resolved.

Despite this, Ifurunwa recently announced the date for the town's new yam festival. This announcement has sparked outrage among the alleged sidelined traditional council, who argue that until the throne dispute is resolved, the newly installed monarch lacks authority to set the festival date. Through their legal counsel, N.I Onyeakpa, the council addressed the Anambra State Governor, the Commissioner for Local Government, Town Union and Chieftaincy Affairs, Vin Ezeaka, and the Commissioner of Police in a petition, urging them to halt the event to prevent potential law and order issues.

The letter emphasizes that the Ihite Traditional Council, currently in dispute over the throne, continued performing traditional duties, including announcing the new yam festival dates. The council contends that the recent alteration of the community's chieftaincy constitution by key figures in the town, without proper process, led to the recognition of Ifurunwa as the new Igwe, which they deem invalid.

They assert that the monarch's announcement of the festival date, set for September 29, 2026, in defiance of the ongoing court case, is disrespectful and demands immediate condemnation from the state authorities. The petition further calls for the state government to intervene and prohibit the Igwe from proceeding with the festival until the court's decision on the throne matter is made.