Concerns Mount as Embattled Candidate Seeks to Become Igwe of Oba Amid EFCC Investigations

The quest for a new Igwe in Oba, a prominent town in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has taken a controversial turn as allegations of financial crimes and misconduct trail a leading candidate for the highly revered position of Ezeokpoko II. The development has raised serious concerns among the people of Oba and the larger Anambra State, especially as Governor Chukwuma Soludo continues his efforts to combat crime and uphold integrity in governance and leadership.

For over seven years, Oba has remained without a traditional ruler following the passing of the esteemed Ezeokpoko I, Igwe P.C. Ezenwa, whose 42-year reign was marked by discipline, accountability, and high moral standards. However, the delay in selecting a new monarch is not due to a lack of qualified candidates. Rather, it stems from the controversy surrounding the leading contender, Engr. Augustine Chinedum Emelobe, whose candidacy has sparked outrage due to his alleged criminal record and ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Emelobe, whose name has been linked to multiple financial scandals, has been under scrutiny by anti-corruption agencies for several years. One of the most damning accusations against him involves an alleged fraudulent transaction with the defunct Oba Community Bank, where he reportedly secured a loan exceeding ₦100 million without following due process. This, among other financial infractions, remains an active case with the EFCC, which intensified investigations into his dealings in 2024.

The concerns surrounding Emelobe’s aspirations go beyond financial misdeeds. Evidence reportedly links him to tax evasion, forgery of tax certificates, and deliberate under-declaration of assets and company turnover to avoid paying the correct taxes. Additionally, testimonies from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) have further implicated him in financial misconduct, casting significant doubt on his eligibility to assume such an honorable position.

Observers argue that Emelobe’s sudden and aggressive push to become the Ezeokpoko II is not driven by a genuine desire to serve his community but rather an attempt to shield himself from the long arm of the law. By securing the traditional stool, he could potentially exploit cultural sensitivities and claim immunity from prosecution, knowing that any legal action against him might be misinterpreted as an attack on Igbo tradition. However, many indigenes of Oba insist that Igbo customs do not condone criminality and that individuals with questionable integrity should not be entrusted with leadership positions.

Beyond his legal troubles, Emelobe’s suitability for the role is also being challenged on cultural and procedural grounds. Reports indicate that the process of his selection has been marred by irregularities, including unauthorized attempts to amend the Oba town constitution to favor his candidacy. Furthermore, his lack of membership in the prestigious Ozo Society of Okuzu Village in Oba Idemili raises additional questions about his legitimacy. In response to these concerns, the Anambra State government, through the Commission for Traditional Rulers, has put the Igweship selection process on hold, citing breaches of due process.

Governor Soludo, a globally respected economist and reformist, has been at the forefront of restoring order and credibility in Anambra State. Allowing an individual with an alleged history of financial crimes and ethical failings to ascend to the position of Igwe would undermine these efforts. The governor’s commitment to ridding the state of corruption and upholding the integrity of leadership should extend to ensuring that traditional institutions remain untarnished.

For the people of Oba, the stakes are high. A leader must be chosen based on merit, moral standing, and a genuine commitment to community service. The late Ezeokpoko I left behind a legacy of accountability and discipline, and his successor should embody these principles. Installing a candidate with a tainted reputation could erode the trust and respect that the monarchy commands, not just in Oba but across Anambra State.

As the selection process remains under scrutiny, the people of Oba must reflect on the long-term implications of their decision. Leadership, whether political or traditional, should never be a refuge for individuals seeking to escape justice. It is imperative that the community upholds its values and ensures that only a person of unquestionable character ascends the throne of Ezeokpoko II.

In the words of scripture, "When the righteous rule, the people rejoice." The people of Oba now have a defining choice: to uphold the legacy of integrity or allow an individual with a questionable past to drag their revered institution into controversy.