By : Ukpa Ewa
The much anticipated Igwe election of Ndiowu town in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State was held on January 12, 2026, amid protests and allegations of exclusion by women and some contestants.
The election followed the demise of the town’s former monarch, with Ndiowu having remained without a traditional ruler for about eleven years. While the exercise was conducted, disagreements were observed over the venue, date, modalities and level of participation.
One of the contestants for the Igweship position, Dr. Onyeka Kanu from Obinagu Village, alleged that he was barred from accessing the venue and did not cast his vote. He faulted the conduct of the election at St. Lawrence Anglican Church instead of the community town hall, as stipulated by tradition and condemned the exclusion of women from voting. According to him, all five contestants initially agreed on a different date except Chief Chibuzor Okeke-Ifi, who he claimed independently secured approval for the election date without the knowledge of others.
Another community member, Mazi Onyekachukwu Ekwueme Nwafor, said protests broke out at the town hall when residents learned that the election had been moved to the church. He alleged that security operatives intervened and that he was assaulted while questioning the commencement of voting.
Addressing protesters at Ndiowu Town Hall, the Chairman of Umudiabor Village, Mazi Uchenna Iloh, said community members and contestants were waiting to be briefed on the election process when reports emerged that an Igwe had already been declared elsewhere. He said the community was awaiting official clarification from the government.
Women leaders also expressed strong opposition to their exclusion. Former community women leader, Mrs. Ifeoma Omenuko, said women had always played active roles in community administration, including during the reign of the late Igwe. She described their exclusion as unacceptable, citing women’s contributions to major community projects such as the town hall and market.
Similarly, another women leader, Mrs. Regina Iloh, said Ndiowu comprises of nine villages with a rotational Igweship system, stressing that women were unfairly stopped despite preparing to participate in the election. Mrs. Nkechi Madubike added that women were seen waiting at the market square to vote but were denied access to the election venue.
Reacting to the developments, the Chairman of Orumba North Local Government Area, Hon. Casmir Nwafor, confirmed that the election was held at Central School Field Ndiowu and described it as relatively peaceful. He said the government’s priority was to end the prolonged absence of an Igwe in Ndiowu, noting that unresolved chieftaincy matters often fuel insecurity.
Hon. Nwafor attributed some of the tension to late communication by the community President General, stating that although three month notice was issued, residents were informed close to the election date. He maintained that contestants were invited to participate and advised aggrieved parties to submit formal petitions.
On women’s participation, the council chairman explained that Ndiowu currently operates under two conflicting constitutions of 1990 and 2024 both pending in court, with differing provisions on women voting in Igweship elections. He said women were temporarily excluded to maintain peace, adding that traditionally, Igwe selection is handled by elders, village heads, and titled men.
Despite the controversies, Chief Chibuzor Okeke-Ifi was announced winner of the Igweship election, while aggrieved parties insist the process lacked fairness and inclusiveness.
