A president- General of Nnobi Warfare Association in Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Barr Dominic Okpala had on Tuesday, 25th of June 2024 encouraged Nnobi community to embrace peace.
He made this statement while speaking with journalists at Nnobi Town hall.
Barr. Okpala stated categorically that he had never conspired with anybody to fight or dethrone Igwe Engr. Nich Obi.
He urged Nnobi Community to embrace peace for development of the community.
He narrated how they were at Awka with the commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and Community Affairs,hired touts stormed the Government House with placards written “Enough of Sacrilegious Witch-hunt against the Royal Throne ”
He said the protesters were not identified by the Youth leader,Amb.Chigozie Aghaonu who was present at the meeting.
He revealed that the Igwe was the architect of his misfortune,through his unabated interference and meddlesomeness in bridging the Nnobi Town Constitution.
Barr Okpala further disclosed that his problem with the Igwe started during his swearing in, which he stated that at the Annual Representative General Meeting, he was sworn in using 2011 Nnobi Town Union Constitution which Igwe Nick who was not in attendance came back to say that he( Okpala) had not be sworn in until he did so claiming that 2019 Town Union Constitution must be adopted.
” I was swore in by the Governor which is the highest authority” he said
He quoted section 15 of Anambra State Traditional law which according to him spelt out the functions of traditional ruler of the community and that of the President General.
Barr Okpala firmly stated that he swore an oath to abide by the constitution, defend it .He said that certain 2019 constitution was never adopted by the Caretaker Committee that appointed him.
“A king should not be greater than his subjects and should not see himself as emperor ” he added
Speaking on Ikemba title saga,Okpala said that before the current Ikemba was cleared, he saw some procedural irregularities surrounded his title.
He continued by saying that he wanted to stop his title but well meaning individual of Nnobi community pleaded on his behalf.
He described honoring title as one that must be given to someone who had done so much for his community, State and country at large while special title could be given to anybody.
He disclosed that Special title according to the constitution must be given during Ofala festival but was given during Asha Olu festival which was against the constitution.
He described Amb Jerry Igbokwe who was conferred the Ikemba title in the year 1999 as one who had done so much for his community,State and Nigeria at large.
“It is the Igwe in council that will settle this misunderstanding ” he added