THIS DAWN — There is palpable tension in the commercial city of Nnewi as the Nnewi North North Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, has devised not to step down as his two-year tenure expires in September.
This Dawn was informed that Hon. Anazodo refused to honour the long existing agreement between the four major villages of Nnewi—Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim and Nnewichi.
Instead of that, in cahoots with some elements within Nnewi, he is plotting to perpetuate himself in office.
Consequently, Nnewichi people, through their “Obi”, approached Igwe Kenneth Orizu III of Nnewi to intercede.
Watch the video footage below:
Igwe Orizu III Affirms Rotational Agreement
As could be seen in the video, Igwe Orizu III affirmed the Nnewi North Local Government Council Chairmanship rotational agreement.
The agreement evidently favours Nnewichi to produce the next chairman, as other major villages have each produced a chairman for the Local Government Council.
The traditional ruler, thereby, laid to rest the ongoing power ploy, which This Dawn learnt, was orchestrated by Chief Cletus Ibeto.
The ploy seeks to perpetuate Anazodo in office after his tenure will expire in September 2026.
Ndi Nnewi React
Reacting to the development, Hon. Augustine Onyekachukwu Ike, Member representing Nnewi North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, issued a strongly worded statement.
Hon. Ike condemned a circulating communique allegedly released by the Board of Trustees (BOT) of Nzukora Nnewi concerning the rotation and tenure of political offices in Nnewi.
He argued that the document is founded on false premises, driven by vested interests, and capable of destabilising peace in the community.
In particularly, it will deny Nnewichi their agreed turn in the rotational arrangement.
Ike begins by asserting that the BOT communique is invalid because it is based on incorrect assumptions.
He maintains that the BOT lacks constitutional authority to pass binding resolutions on behalf of Nnewi without the approval of the Nzukora Nnewi General Meeting, which comprises 255 delegates.
He challenged the BOT Chairman to publicly cite any constitutional provision granting such powers.
The lawmaker stressed that the BOT’s role is advisory, not legislative.
False Interpretation
Central to his argument is the claim that the BOT falsely interpreted the 1997 Nnewi agreement on rotation and tenure.
He insisted that no clause in the 1997 constitution or agreements fixed a four-year tenure for local government chairmen or other elective offices.
According to him, tenure length is determined solely by government policy, not by local agreements.
He further disputed the BOT’s assertion that a former chairman, Hon. Amobi Chikwendu, served four years.
He stated that Chikwendu served only three years, in line with state government provisions, insisting that no local government chairman in Nigeria serves a single four-year term.
Ike also criticised the procedural integrity of the BOT meeting and its outcome.
He alleged that the resolution was imposed, noting that attendees were not given the opportunity to sign the document.
The communique bore signatures from only two of Nnewi’s four quarters—Umudim and Otolo—rendering it illegitimate, Ike insisted.
The lawmaker recalled that when the Obi of Nnewichi staged a walkout over marginalisation, the meeting should have been adjourned.
Instead, it was hurriedly concluded due to a “teleguided template.”
Disrespecting the Throne
A major concern he raised is the perceived disrespect to Igwe Nnewi.
Ike stated that the monarch was excluded from the BOT meeting, yet subsequently made a pronouncement aligned with documented truth.
Despite this, the BOT Chairman allegedly released a pre-written communique contradicting the Igwe’s position.
Such action, Ike said, can be described as a grave affront to the throne and to Nnewi’s traditions.
Drawing on historical precedents, Ike highlighted sacrifices previously made by other quarters, particularly Umudim and Otolo, in the interest of peace and rotation.
He questioned why similar sacrifices cannot be made now for Nnewichi.
He challenges the BOT Chairman to clearly outline what tangible benefits Nnewi would gain if the current mayor from Umudim were allowed a second term.
The lawmaker asked him to justify any claim that Nnewichi lacks capable candidates.
In conclusion, Ike calls for the immediate withdrawal of the BOT’s resolution and an unreserved apology to Igwe Nnewi and the Nnewi community.
He advocates for the establishment of a neutral committee to review the rotation formula strictly within its competence.
Ike warned that any deviation to that effect risks chaos, affirming his mandate to protect Nnewi’s institutions.
He declared unequivocally that no individual will undermine the authority of Igwe Nnewi under his watch.
Osigwe Throws His Hat in the Ring
In a related development, This Dawn had reported on January 19, 2026, that the Publisher of Anaedo Online / Anaedo TV, Mr. Cornel Osigwe, lambasted Anazodo and his cohorts over the ploy.
Osigwe, an indigene of Nnewichi Quarter, announced his intention to contest the chairmanship of the Local Government Council.
He cited the long-standing zoning and rotation agreement that has governed political office distribution in Nnewi for decades.
According to Osigwe, the rotational arrangement was designed to ensure fairness and prevent domination.
He clearly indicates that Nnewichi is next in line, following the tenure of Umudim.
Osigwe emphasized that his aspiration is not driven by personal ambition.
Rather, it’s driven by a commitment to preserving peace, equity, and unity among the four quarters of Nnewi.
He referenced historical records and the original zoning document, which outline a clear sequence of rotation initiated in 1997.
After Uruagu, the chairmanship was to move through Otolo, Umudim, and then Nnewichi before returning to Uruagu, he emphasised.
