Isiugwu Ohafia: Inside details on why Oke, Nmaju, five others were expelled from community
• Union exco under attack, asked to form Advisory Council, hold peace/recall meeting
* Dissolve the youth leadership... Etum tells IOCDA
* We didn't expect this from IOCDA... Agumba
* IOCDA responds
By Uduma Kalu
Was justice served last April 20, 2025 when in one fell swoop, seven people were expelled from Isiugwu Ohafia community in the Ohafia LGA of Abia state? Has the act restored the much touted peace advocacy of the Mr Udo Onwuka-led Isiugwu Ohafia Community Association (IOCDA)? Is pardoning those that destroyed properties worth over N17m justified, while those that suffered the destruction got punished and fined for what they are not yet found guilty good, or is there something else hidden in the judgement? What was the reason for expelling five friends of Mr Akanu Oke? Till now, no reasonable excuse has been given for that. Is being friends with a supposedly guilty person enough reason to suffer exile with him? Why were those that destroyed properties worth over N17m pardoned and those not yet found guilty and those that suffered damages punished? Has the Isiugwu Ohafia hierarchy bowed to the dictates of the vocal, loud marauders baying for blood? Did the real reason for the cause of the fued between Mr Akanu Oke and Mr Kalu Kalu Nmaju finally discovered? How will the present executive of the town's union redeem its image damaged by such unexplainable judgement? So many questions that need answers for those not comfortable with the recent judgement at the Isiugwu Ohafia Ogbo Ukwu assembly bug their minds.
A deep investigation shows that the root of the whole saga is about selfish interest in the spoils of office suffused in power tussle among the power hungry youth factions angling for leadership. At the bottom of the questions was the subtle advice to the Mr Onwuka led executive by some leading lights in the town to dissolve the youth leadership, institute an advisory council made of leading elites in the town, including the Ezeogo and some of his informed members, along with his executive. This body, which is advised to become permanent, should meet and tease out the grey areas in the remaining Oke and Nmaju case and see that the exiled are returned home within months. In fact, the leaders said this, along with the newly established Crisis Management Committee of the union, was what was expected of the IOCDA to do before deferring its responsibilities to the Ezeogo and his elders on the Oke and Nmaju matter.
All these were some of the fallouts of the issues raised last Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025 when seven people were expelled from the town and others fined.
An Easter Sunday Judgement
While the local folks were preparing for their Easter Sunday worship to celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his offering for forgiveness, renewal and hope, the knell fell on Mr. Akanu Oke, Mr Kalu Kalu Nmaju and five others. The seven were expelled by the town's elders following recommendations from the different arms of the town - the youth, Uke Abuo and the women council of elders.
The recommendation came as a result of the organs reinstating their March 31, 2025 resolutions that the seven be expelled. This time, the three reinstated their recommendations at the Hazel Hall at the Isiugwu Ohafia Primary School venue of the first meeting of the Mr Udo Onwuka newly elected executives.
The punishment came as a result of a bloody fight between Oke and Nmaju leading to invasion of the town by Oke using some policemen and an angry reaction of some youth destroying properties of Oke and his perceived allies. A meeting to resolve the matter amicably was called by the town's union on March 31, 2025 at the town square, Ogbo Ukwu, where the union pended the expulsion resolutions of some of the organs until Oke withdrew the case at the police station as the detainees could be rearrested if Oke did not account for their whereabouts. The case was to come up April 8, 2025. The idea for withdrawal was for peace to reign. But there was some disagreement from some quarters against the decision. Oke did as was advised and everyone was expecting the matter to be handled amicably until last Easter Sunday April 20 when the seven were expelled.
Unfortunately, that was the first meeting of the newly elected Isiugwu Ohafia Community Development Association IOCDA executive. It was therefore seen as a trial test for the new executive The expulsion sent shock, waves of criticism and doubt in the ability of the new executive across the town.
The Mr Udo Onwuka administration came to power early last November. Unfortunately, it inherited a bedlam of unresolved crises rocking the duo of Oke and Nmaju, as well as that of the youth association of those staying abroad and the community youth based at home.
Beyond the seven, about others linked to Oke were also fined by the community that Easter Sunday. While offences of Oke and Nmaju can easily be determined by all as evidenced by their fight that led to the spilling of blood by both, the offences of the other expelled five are still hazy, prompting questions like 'was justice served?' 'Were the duo of Oke and Nmaju case well treated, after all they had been fined for the fighting?' Was Oke betrayed after withdrawing the case for peaceful solution?' 'Should one suffer twice for one offence in what is called double jeopardy in legal circles?'
Expulsion: Misplaced, Masterstroke?
To other people, the expulsion was a masterstroke as it brought some measure of relief to the town. But the expulsion has brought no peace in some other people's estimations. Others argued that though it didn't lay to rest the ugly incident between Oke and Nmaju that had ravaged the town for seven years, it offered space or truce for proper reconciliation to take place. In this sense, this group said the expulsion was not a death knell or a finality but a way to tame Oke and Nmaju and reach out to the aggrieved parties. Once this was done, the IOCDA leadership could recall the exiled and reclaim the confidence of those who had, they alleged, lost it in the Mr Onwuka- led executive.
Many people interviewed after the Easter Sunday expulsion were of the thinking that the exercise offered the new executive a time to bring lasting peace there as everything was going too frenzy for it to handle at once.
The expulsion, some noted, would save the seven from threats to their lives as well. Their little withdrawal from the town was also a mark of respect, a way to satisfy the angry section and pave way for proper reconciliation. After this, the union and the town can strategize fully on how to restore order in the community, it was said.
In fact, a source had informed that the IOCDA leadership was not really interested in expelling anybody. It only wanted a show of public remorse, which Oke and Nmaju did not show. With that show of remorse, the source said the duo were to be given an undertaken to sign, which was for them to desist from public opprobrium and be of good behaviour, henceforth. But when the women and the youth reinstated their positions, the Mr Onwuka led executive, without the apology from the two, succumbed to the pressure, declaring in its resolution that the elders' representatives at the IOCDA meeting at the Hazel Hall should inform the Ezeogo and his elders to implement the decision of the organs of the town. And that was what happened, with the youth bringing more list of people for punishment later at the Ogbo Ukwu
An official of the IOCDA would later confirm that the expulsion was a truce done to assuage the prevailing anger in the town. He added also that the wishes of the people had prevailed, meaning in effect that another meeting to review the expulsion would be done. It will also map out strategies to deal with the miscreants trying to overwhelm leaders of the town, he said.
However, one of those at the local Presbyterian church in the town, venue of the March 30, 2025 reconciliation meeting of the IOCDA with the aggrieved members, said Oke wanted peace. On his own, Oke was said to have stood up and apologized to the monarch and to the town for his rudeness. Unfortunately, Oke and Nmaju didn't show this remorse at the Ogbo Ukwu assembly to the crowd, it was noted. Oke however did but only to the monarch. Perhaps, it was gathered, if he had shown this same remorse by apologizing also to those he arrested and got illegally detained and to the community at large, the punishment would have been milder. For the fighting, the two were fined one goat, N20,000, two bottles of dry gin and N500 each of Oke and Nmaju. The IOCDA said in its resolution that the decision was reached because, 'peace was paramount.'
See the IOCDA resolution below.
The G5 and Oke's Connection
Here are the G5. Mr Ukaha Kalu, Mr. Kalu Iro, Mr Raleigh Egbuta, Mr Kalu Asaga, Mr. Okali Ndukwe expelled along with Mr Oke and Mr Nmaju.
The story of the Group of Five, otherwise here called The G5 is interwoven with the story of Oke. Oke's link to the G5 is tied to his post reign as the Isiugwu Ohafia youth association leader.
Oke's rise to leadership position is said to have begun during the reign of his father in law, Chief Agwu Uzo Anya, alias Adumo, as regent monarch. However, it was not Adumo that made Oke the president. It was said that Oke was chosen as youth president because of his oratory at an Ogbo Ukwu assembly.
The then youth chairman, Mr Njoku Ukariwe, had been elevated to a higher status as members of his age grade grew out of the youth association grade.
Ukariwe was a youth leader during the frenzy days of one Pastor Emma, now known as Emma Cement. Emma allegedly coercively bought farm lands off the locals in the guise of building a cement factory. Unfortunately, the whole thing was said to have been a scam. Before this realization, many things had been damaged as too much money was thrown about to buy off leaders and opinion moulders in the town in the name of 'developing the town '. Emma allegedly consolidated his grip on the town by raising political structures in Isiugwu Ohafia and Ohafia as a whole. These would be loyal to him and secure his properties. Emma was said to have been supportive of both Ukariwe's and Oke's leadeships.
Oke's Tenure
Opinions are divided on the tenure of Oke's reign as Isiugwu Ohafia youth association chairman. While some said he was high handed, others said he brought development and curbed crime. Those that hold the view that Oke was a good leader are the ones saying that those bad ones Oke stepped on are the ones hounding him. Those that said Oke was a bad leader are those saying it was not his leadership style that led to the uprising against him but his inordinate ambition to remain in power that had divided the town.
Here is the story. When Oke was made chairman of the youth association, he was a returnee from Onitsha with nothing very rich to show. He was a carpenter and the art of redesigning roofs to fashionable styles was trending. Oke got jobs doing it. He even taught some Isiugwu Ohafia youth the art and was philanthropic, loaning out money to some of the people without taking back all of it.
As chairman, Oke was said to have embarked on the building of the Obai stream bridge with funding from notable people such as Mr, now Dr Ifeanyi Uchendu, who was once the deputy speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly.
Meanwhile, opposition was rising against Oke. The Ifemba age grade, which is the age grade of the present PG, Mr Onwuka, which had protested earlier that it was no longer to be classified in the youth category, returned to wrest the youth leadership from Oke whose age grade was younger than Ifemba. This battle for leadership stalled the completion of the bridge. But the Isiugwu Ohafia youth association on platforms, meaning abroad, came to the rescue. It was said to have used the money it raised for the purchase of motorcycles for indigent Isiugwu Ohafia youth for the bridge.
Meanwhile, as the battle for the youth leadership raged, words went about to depict a division between the youth association abroad and those at home. While the youth association abroad said they were not under the suzerainty of the traditional organs or under the Ezeogo, the youth in the village were seen as under the tutelage of the Ezeogo. The youth on platforms, supporting Oke against the Ifemba age grade's attempt to wrestle power out of Oke who the abroad youth said was the authentic youth association chairman, were accused of only raising money for the poor and for purchase of weapons, which the group denied.
The group had in effect tried to rein in on Oke when he was appointed leader of the youth association without input from the abroad youth. Oke had some assistants with one Mr. Raleigh Egbuta as his trusted member. There was no proper executive. The youth then held a meeting at Aba and elected one Mr Brown Nnochin as vice chairman to Oke and others as an executive for Oke. Oke was said to have been running a one man show as chair. The elected executives were therefore to decentralize his powers.
The youth would later meet with the Ezeogo in December 2023 and tell him the autonomy of the association outside the suzerainty of the traditional organs of the Ezeogo. It was said that the Ezeogo understood them and even encouraged them by giving them two bottles of wine.
The youth would later meet in the first week of January 2024 at Ndi Okpo for further discussions.
On allegation that Oke wanted to pepertuate himself in power, one of those close to his government then denied this, saying, rather, Oke handed over and gave the elders drinks to thank them for the opportunity to serve, and also to inform them that the task he was given was over. He would later hold a celebration party to mark the end of his years of leadership.
Oke's Troubles
That was the beginning of his trouble, so to speak, the source continued. Before his handover, rumours that had been flying about Oke got rife. In the course of his tenure, Oke was accused by some people of enriching himself with proceeds from the the building of the bridge. Though there is no evidence to this, Oke's living standards perhaps, improved and as such allegedly came with envy. He had a vehicle, a cement shop, a beer and soft drinks wholesale distributorship shop, along with his building contracts. He was connected to the wider Ohafia youth association, becoming its deputy chair as well as the Ania security official. Oke is also SA to the Rep Osonwa on security.
With all these, there were suspicions that Oke used his position to enrich himself, influencing the Ifemba age grade that had earlier relinquished membership of the youth association to come back to fight for its leadership. The reason, it was claimed, was because some people thought there was some 'honey' in the position. Could this be the root of the crisis rocking the town in the guise of fighting between Oke and Nmaju?
Well, the fight for honey for service is at variance with the narratives of Mr Prosper Etum, who as founder of the first youth association, said he spent his own money to run the group. But in the present democratic dispensation, the the narrative has changed. Youth are allegedly lured by politicians for support. And such comes with perks of office.
So when there was alleged resistance by Oke and his youth members that felt the youth membership was not to include Ifemba age grade, it was allegedly interpreted that Oke, because of the perks of office, refused to hand over until he was forced out, the source continued.
The story out there corroborates this with the allegation that Oke had been harassing those he said were opposed to his retaining power. Did he feel bitter that he was forced to abandon a juicy post? It was alleged that the celebration party he held was to form a parallel government in Isiugwu Ohafia. His club members formed after the party, they said, no longer attended youth meetings or had anything to do with it.
The story got juicer here. This is where the former regent of the town, Mr Kalu Iro, comes in. Iro was said to have come to power following Adumo's alleged desire to become the Ezeogo, contrary to the tradition of the town. Adumo's branch of the Udumali family is said to only produce regents as it was entitled to the jaw of a shared animal. The other Udumali branch takes the head. Again, the allegation was that Adumo, having seen the 'honey' in the position, wanted to perpetuate himself in power but was stopped. The reigning Ezeogo then, Chief Okorie Kalu, was brought back to his throne one Nkwo day where he allegedly decried his isolation from serious issues in the town as if he was no longer the Ezeogo. Saying this, the ailing monarch installed Mr Iro as the new regent.
There are those saying the Adumo reign was problematic. He is accused of imposing heavy fines and being the one that went to Akanu Ohafia, founding home of the Udumali founder of Isiugwu Ohafia to divorce the Umu Eke, a royal family that shared power with the Okorie or the Udumali family. The argument is that after the Adumo reign, an Ezeogo from the Umu Eke was to follow. But that is a topic for another day.
Well, Iro in different audiences had told about how he wanted to quit the regent job, saying he was too young for it and that it was disturbing his business.
He, Adumo and the then ailing Ezeogo Okorie Kalu were however said to have been deep with the Pastor Emma in the cement saga. Oke as youth chairman, also worked with Iro in this drive. Perhaps, this is where the relationship between the two was cemented.
Is the cement saga the beginning of the 'honey' story and beginning of the crisis? Mr Awa Noko had told the Isiugwu Ohafia gathering that it was the beginning of the crisis in the town when power was handed over to the youth. And the Emma youth faction had vowed to rule forever. It seems therefore the power tussle continues to this day that a case lasted for seven years due to delays, ending in a controversy. But let us continue.
Iro later quit the job, he said, citing several instances he held meetings with the Udumali family to free him from the job. He had been finally freed when the Ezeogo Okorie Kalu died. He said he quit the next day after the Ezeogo died, denying he was forced out. Since then, he never desired or plotted to come back to office, he said.
Now , the trio of Oke, Iro and Egbuta are exiled. Though there's yet to be cogent reason for the exiling of Iro and Egbuta, the story out there is that the Oke group was plotting to dethrone the Ezeogo Okorie Ukpe. The known anger against Oke is that he got policemen to invade the town and got some of its leaders arrested.
Those peddling this toppling of the monarch story said that the plot was to use juju and make the Ezeogo mentally indisposed and by so doing, he would be replaced by Iro. Once accomplished, Oke would become the IOCDA president and Egbuta, the youth chairman.
Critics of this allegation asked whether such allegation merited expulsion. They asked the Ezeogo to be firm in handling such rumours. Such rumours, they said, must come with proof. One critic that claimed anonymity said what merited expulsion from the land were if the individual was becoming a public threat, such as causing violence, involved in poisoning, (nshi), murder or threatening people with dangerous weapons. Expulsion, he went on, was not based on rumours. Another, a lady, said those peddling such rumours should be arraigned and given a leaf of the people's sacred tree of Okpukpu Ekpe to swear. According to her, it would help end the rumours and conspiracies.
A community leader would say that the political and traditional structures in the town make such Oke conspiracy to take over the organs of government in the town impossible. For example, he said to become an Ezeogo was not a one person's decision. It was a community and the Udumali family prerogative, he said. Again, the IOCDA presidency was based on election, not imposition. On the youth chairmanship, the source said there were two issues involved. One was the merging of the youth leadership in the town with the age grade system. This system meant that only a certain age grade produced the chair of the youth. The second was that a new constitution of the IOCDA drafted by the Barrister Kalu Oleh committee stipulates that only those under 50 years can be members of the association. And leadership will be based on election. For now, there was this difference yet uncleared on the leadership and position of the youth association in the town. Under this scenario, he wondered how the Egbuta leadership would emerge.
Oke, Nmaju Bloody Fight as Surface Cause of the Crisis
This reporter was told that the angst against Oke was not because of the fight between him and Nmaju, after all no one was opposed to him when he matcheted Nmaju who was said to have gone to fight Oke in his own house. The anger that rose like storm against him and his allies was evidence of bottled bitterness against Oke over the years.
Findings show that some of the angers emanated against Oke from the following;
1. Emergence of Oke as youth chairman angered some of his founding colleagues who felt he betrayed their agreement that none of them would become the chair of the association.
2. His leadership style was harsh and draconian. He allegedly tortured some suspects and hounded some to exile. It was therefore payback time.
3. His resistance to handover power was perceived that he was enjoying the perks of the office so much that he didn't want to relinquish power fueling the anger of those he allegedly betrayed and victimized.
4. His perceived arrogance and unforgiving spirit. Some said Oke was arrogant and had claimed he wouldn't forgive any wrong done to him, hence, he kept harassing those against his staying on to power..
5. His traditional religion worship, which makes him allegedly perform sacrifices adds to the the claim that Oke wanted power by all means. And he must therefore be resisted.
6. His audacity to invade the town, arrest and torture its leaders with policemen. He had been accused earlier of harassing the town leaders with soldiers, among other impunities.
It is no wonder that some of these forces against Oke would later regroup following his exit from power. They found expression when he finally invaded the town that dead of the night.
7. His Noble Club members were said not to bother to participate in the youth affairs. He was allegedly using the club as his structure to climb to power. How true all these are, are yet to be confirmed.
8. But the atmosphere against Oke and his friends was charged. Was it envy because of the success of Oke and his friends? A critic of Oke said no but that Oke,, instead of minding his business that was doing well, continued to dabble into the town's politics, hence, the anger against him.
Knocks, kudos for Udo Onwuka's IOCDA
The expulsion of seven people from Isiugwu Ohafia and fining of others sent shock waves across the town. While some said the action was good, in fact a masterstroke, many, especially, the elites of the town, frowned at the IOCDA's role as some of them saw the Udo Onwuka-led executive as bowing to the pressures of the baying youth and allowed the travesty that took place. Such injustice, they said, set a bad precedent for the town. Others said the IOCDA executive should have called for a meeting with other elites before handing the case over to the elders. The executive tactically abandoned its avowed role as arbiter and peace maker and ended up becoming merely a collector of views for the elders to punish the Oke group and Nmaju, they noted. That, they said, was not the original plan. They said they could hardly point out any offence some of those exiled or fined that merited such punishment.
On the contrary, there were those that gave the executive some kudos. Those in this group said the expulsion was an attempt to save lives and properties of the exiled as some of the aggrieved youth were angry. The issue, one of them said, would be revisited soon for them to come back. In a way, this confirmed the view in some quarters that the IOCDA leadership bowed to the rampaging and vocal youth.
Agumba condemns expulsion
One of those elites who expressed his reaction to the expulsion was Chief Chukwudi Kalu Agbara, the Agumba of Ohafia.
The chief, in the wake of the attack on some individuals and their properties in the town following the invasion and arrest of the Isiugwu Ohafia leaders, did not just preach and begged for peace, he set up a peace committee and reimbursed the victims with a sum over N17m. However, as of today, the chief said he had spent close to N30m on the crisis all in an effort to bring peace there. The expulsion and fine obviously didn't go down well with him. Here is a message he sent to his youth platform in reaction to some comments condemning the action. He vowed to resist attempts by anyone to cause mayhem in the town.
"Speak on my brother Isiugwu don't even know what is coming for them. My brother, it is not 17m, it is close to 30m I have spent because of this problem. I am sorry for the leadership we have in Isiugwu. People that called themselves educated people- selfish people we have- don't even know their right. i don't even see them as educated people."
The IOCDA leadership is actually headed by mostly graduates that are reputedly accomplished in their various professions.
Chief Agbara continued, promising, "Promise I make to myself is that I will not be alive to allow my grandfathers and mothers witness what is going on at (1) Nde Okala, (2), Nde Anyaorie, (3) Nde Amogu."
The named communities in Ohafia are ravaged and sacked by violence.
He continued: "I CAN NEVER BE ALIVE FOR IT TO HAPPEN TO MY PEOPLE ISIUGWU OHAFIA, MY HOME TOWN.
"The resources in our community isiugwu ohafia.. People, people that called themselves educated people have allowed the terrorists to use this opportunity to come into brothers' problem, to cause more mayhem to our land.
"Now, I am asking, if God allows this to happen, what will be the fate of our grandfathers and mothers in the village?", he added.
Another senior elite said he pitied the legal adviser, Mr Mbila Uyo, who, if the town was dragged to the court, would have to defend the actions of the community, which he said could not stand in a law court. "The idea of getting Oke to withdraw the case was for peace. So why the expulsion?",he asked, quering also the idea behind the expulsion of the other five and the fining of the rest.
A lady, deeply incensed by the punishment, said the IOCDA showed its incapacity to govern. She recalled the electioneering days of the executive last year and said it was the baying boys that voted for Onwuka. Reminded that Onwuka got almost all the votes, she blamed it on Barrister Kalu Oleh's withdrawal from the PG race. She accused the Mr Onwuka led executive of not holding meetings with the youth since election last year, saying such would have helped him to understand the issues and nipped the problem in the bud.
'Mr. Udo Onwuka do knows what to do with the boys. He knows them. He knows how to call them to order. But he has been overwhelmed by them because they voted for him,' she said.
The Expulsion To Be Reviewed Soon-Youth Leader
However, one of the leaders of the youth told this reporter that the expulsion would l be reviewed. This came as the reporter sought confirmation from him as there had been rumours that the expulsion was mainly to save lives and properties of the expelled. Soon, he said, the punishment would be reviewed and the expelled returned. He however expressed disappoinment in Oke, who he said had been going about since the fighting incident, threatening people. The reporter sought evidence of the threats which is yet to be provided.
Unfortunately, no defenve has come from any of the expelled or fined since the March 31 Ogbo Ukwu assembly where only Oke and Nmaju spoke. The others fined and expelled were said to have been punished without a fair hearing.
IOCDA Reacts
To confirm whether the expulsion would be reviewed, the IOCDA secretary general, Mr Okoro Umazi, told this reporter that the expulsion was final.
When he was told of the criticism trailing his administration, which first meeting exiled seven people in one fell swoop and fined others whose properties were earlier destroyed and without a hearing, while the destroyers were pardoned, Mr Umazi said the seven were not the first to be expelled in the town and that the case lingered because of sentiments. He was told that it was the first such expulsion in the town that was based on no concrete evidence, in fact, the expulsion and punishments were based on sentiments. He said the issue of innocence of the other five was relative. In a way, Umazi acknowledged the G5 was innocent but relativized it. He was told in law, there was no relative innocence or guilt as you must prove beyond all reasonable doubt before a judgement is pronounced.
Umazi got irritated, recalling when the reporter called the executive a failure due to its delay in addressing the people and rein in the protesting youth who seized the town for days. Umazi was told it was not the reporter's opinion but the public's and such perception was growing because of the April 20 judgement. Umazi said the reporter should have gone to see the Ezeogo, Uke Abuo, youth and the women, adding that the union only collated views of the different organs and passed them on to the elders to act.
But the secretary was reminded that the union exco as arbiter set out saying it was for peace and reconciliation. But now, Umazi was saying the union was only a collector of views, meaning the exco got overwhelmed with the youth that it passed the buck of the decision to the elders. Umazi only ended up saying, "If it suits you."
Here is a copy of the exchange between the reporter and IOCDA secretary
Me: If you have any information for me as per further plans by your executive to resolve this finally, hint me.
Umazi: The case has been finally resolved. I don't think there are any further issues regarding the matter. What are the reports you have? I don't think anybody will blame the current leadership for the outcome of the matter. Fines are prerogative of Eze Ogo in council and the details are always with them. IOCDA doesn't impose or determine any fine on anybody.
Me: Okay. Well, there are thoughts you guys would convene a behind the scene meeting with all stakeholders.. elites, the aggrieved for true reconciliation, apologies held and so ensure the return of the exiled within months. Expulsion was used, I understand, to douse the tension to enable you guys to hold a behind the scene reconciliation and strategize on tackling the rampaging youth who are the ones really forcing itself on you.
Umazi: The resolution of the March 31 was shared on all the Isiugwu platforms. That of Easter Sunday was done by the Eze Ogo in council.
Me: You guys need full details to really know what to do. The expulsion is a waiting bomb. Not solution. I understand.
Umazi: Bros, this isn't the first time people are exiled from Isiugwu Ohafia. The problem is that we seem to be more emotional and sentimental about this particular one and that may be the reason that the case lasted as it were.
Me: First time seven are expelled. First time even innocent ones are expelled. First time judgement is not objective. First time it's sentimental. No proof. I'm surprised you are saying this.
Umazi: Innocent is relative in this instance. Maybe that was what you wanted to hear. I'm not surprised either.
Me: Is there proof of any allegations against them? Relative? Oh God. Do you really understand what you are saying? In law, you must prove beyond all reasonable doubt, not relative innocence. Is your government going to be based on relative reasoning? I'm only reporting. Not me. Have you guys received congratulations on this 'huge achievement'?
Umazi: You had already seen and proscribed this government and leadership as *failure* and I won't expect less from you. However, I'm not biased and won't be sentimental or emotional. If you wish to engage me in a discussion devoid of your view abinitio about this leadership, we will meaningfully discuss. Kaa.
Me: Well, the public has the judgement on you, not me.
Umazi: Was it our judgement? Why not confront Eze Ogo in council? Why not confront Inyom Isiugwu? Why not confront the Youth? We only collated the views of these arms and allowed the Eze Ogo in council to take their decision as it rightly falls within their jurisdiction.
Me: I take that as your role... collators. You guys said you came for peace but ended up as collators. Right?
Umazi: You are reducing this discussion to an insult level which is not worth engaging in. Please kindly reengage me later. I can see you are exhausted for now.
Me: Well, I will quote where you guys said you were for peace. And now, collators. No insult. I'm only interested in getting your roles straight. And I need to be contradicted.
Umazi: Kindly suit yourself, Sir.
That was the chat last Friday, April 25, 2025 with Mr Umazi, secretary general of the IOCDA.
However, the general opinion of those at the April 20 Ogbo Ukwu assembly was that the duo of Oke and Nmaju should apologize to the town and made to sign an undertaking to be of good behaviour. After that they would be pardoned and asked to return home. However, none of the expelled was there having fled for their lives. The March 31 threat on them allegedly scared them away.
This general thinking of pardon at the Ogbo Ukwu Ukwu in a way tallied with the pronouncements of the women and men elders at the Ogbo Ukwu. The two groups had used the lesson of the prodigal son that showed remorse and decided to return to his father. The kernel of their statements therefore was not about punishment or expulsion per se but repentance and forgiveness, perhaps , because it was was Easter, a season of forgiveness.
This Christian message rings true among these people who are almost one hundred percent Christians, hence the prodigal son's reference by their elders. But someone on the youth platform said Matthew 24 puts it more succinctly, which talks about love. The passage was about a servant who owed his master a lump sum of money. The servant had pleaded for forgiveness which his boss agreed. But the same servant was cruel to his fellow servant that owed him a little amount and in spite of the poor servant's pleas, had him tortured and thrown into the prison. His master heard this act by the wicked servant, called and primanded him and had him thrown into jail for his unforgiving heart. The commenter therefore said as the destroyers were forgiven, the exiled too should be forgiven. According to him, the executive of the union, the Agumba and almost everyone in the town, had been talking about love, peace, the bloodlines and other ties binding the people together. The Matthew passage, he said, referenced forgiveness and love, prompting questions on whether it was possible to love without forgiveness.
It seems for now, that is the first tool, forgiveness, for the current IOCDA to use in tackling the issue and then strategize using the carrot and stick method.
In the words of one of the women elders, 'We said it was a first offence and should be forgiven once they apologized." Another senior woman asked the elders and the union executives to know that the expulsion didn't just affect the seven but their wives, children, their larger families, friends and businesses, and so should find a way to end the fiasco amicably for peace to reign.
Read My Interviews with Chief Chief Chukwudi Kalu Agbara, the Agumba of Ohafia, Mr Prosper Etum, pioneer founder of youth association and Mr Udo Onwuka's response next
RESOLUTIONS OF THE STAKE HOLDERS AND GENERAL MEETINGS IN RESOLVE OF MR AKANU OKE AND MR KALU KALU NMAJU ISSUES AND ALL OTHER ISSUES RELATING TO IT.
Introduction:
Following the lingered issue between Mr Akanu Oke and Mr Kalu Kalu Nmaju and in line with the proposed meetings by IOCDA aimed at resolving the matter permanently, the following resolutions were reached after a thorough fair hearing of all the parties involved and the consideration of the recommendations from all the arms of Isiugwu Ohafia.
1. That we acknowledge and appreciate the efforts, financial intervention and compensation from Chief Chukwudi Kalu Agbara, (Agumba) in ensuring that peace is restored.
2. That with immediate effect and going forward, ALL non - indigenes living in Isiugwu be profiled by the Isiugwu Council stating
- community of origin
- place of residence in Isiugwu
- occupation
- phone number
- Next of kin.
This is to know and have the records of such persons.
3. That with immediate effect and going forward ALL Social Clubs operating in Isiugwu shall be profiled with the Council presenting a copy of their rules and regulations, the names of their executives, days and place of their meetings.
4. That with immediate effect and going forward, ALL native doctors operating in Isiugwu shall be profiled with the council, stating their names, area of specialization and phone number.
This is to hold someone responsible for any act of fetishness within the community.
5. That IYA be streamlined according to its provisions in the IOCDA constitution.
The discussion on this will be done during the IOCDA Easter 2025 meeting.
6. That Eze Ogo should be firm, fair and timely with his judgement and should consult the IOCDA in any matter that seems critical. That the IOCDA will constitute a CRISES MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE in that regard.
7. That anybody who was involved in the destruction of property, should desist from such cruel action, and going forward, anybody who does that,will be dealt with in accordance with extant rules.
8. That Mr Akanu Oke,for not keeping to the decision of the council to resolve the matter when they are properly treated for their injuries, including that of the garrison commander who upheld the same decision, before involving the police and Mr Kalu Kalu Nmaju, for taking a fight to Mr Akanu's house, and both having fought with weapons against the laws of Isiugwu, shall pay a fine of
- 1 goat each
- 20,000 naira each
- 2 bottles of dry gin each
- 500 naira (condiments to cook the goat)
This decision was reached because ultimately, Peace was paramount.
9. That henceforth, the ban on public smoking of Indian hemp in Isiugwu is reactivated and anyone found guilty shall pay a fine of
- 1 goat
. - N20,000.00
- 2 bottles of dry gin
- N 500,00 ( condiments to cook the goat)
10. That the decision to outcast:
Mr Kalu Kalu Nmaju
Mr Akanu Oke
Mr Ukaha Kalu Ikpo
Mr Kalu Iro
Mr Mr Raleigh Egbuta
Mr Kalu Asaga
Mr Okali Ndukwe, as recommended by the Youth and sustained by Ukerabuo and Inyom Isiugwu, be considered after 8th April 2025.
This decision was to enable the matter in the police which involves some of them to be properly resolved.
Conclusion:
The resolutions above wouldn't have been possible without the cooperation of all the peace loving sons and daughters of Isiugwu Ohafia.
We are grateful to all the stakeholders who were involved, Eze Ogo in council, IOWDA, Isiugwu Christian Association, Isiugwu Resident Pastors, Past Leaders of IOCDA and the entire Isiugwu Ohafia Community.
We appreciate you all and continue to seek for your cooperation and support in ensuring that Isiugwu Ohafia remains peaceful.
We will continue to engage and inform us with the development in this matter.
Thank you.
Okoro Umazi
GS IOCDA
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