Setting the Record Straight: The Amankanu Royal Tussle


The recent publication about the chieftaincy rift which claimed to have come from Umuoro Kindred has sparked controversy over the traditional leadership tussle in Amankanu, Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State. However, a closer examination of the facts reveals that Uhuogwudu is the rightful kindred to produce the next Igwe.

In 2016, Amankanu gained autonomy, and the community drafted a constitution outlining a rotational leadership structure between Group A and Group B. Group A comprises Umuoro, Uhuogwudu, Umuanikwu, and Uhuobia, while Group B consists of Umuokogu, Umuogo, Umunakpu, Uhuoro, and Umuoduhu. According to the constitution, the kingship rotates according to seniority, with Umuoro being the eldest kindred in Group A.

However, when after more than a year, Umuoro failed to produce a king within the stipulated timeframe of six months, the right was transferred to Uhuogwudu, the second in line of seniority in Group A, in accordance with the constitution. This transfer was done willingly by Umuoro, with the eldest man in Umuoro, Oji Achita, handing over the staff of authority (Offor) to Chief Innocent Okorie Ekpete who is still alive today from Uhuogwudu, on December 7th, 2018. It was done with ceremony. But because that Ochi Achita couldn't perform the Iwa Ji rituals, a high-valued and iconic traditional practice in Oduma, Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State. Then Oji achita ordered the second in line, which is Abel Okorie to performed the rituals,  and Chief Innocent Okorie Ekpete was crowned the king.

Given the rituals and traditions already observed, it's clear that Uhuogwudu is the rightful kindred to produce the king. The current debate seems to be fueled by external influences rather than genuine concerns from Umuoro kindred. In fact, community leaders, including Chief Orji Linus, a civil servant and Traditional Prime Minister (Onowu) of the community, have emphasized the importance of respecting tradition and the constitution.

Chief Oji Linus stated, "I will continue to defend what is right and can't be party to anything that goes against the norm and tradition of my community for the sake of our ancestors." He added, "We are the first son of this community, and we belong to Group A, so by right and according to the constitution, we will produce the King. But unfortunately, after more than one year, we couldn't get someone to present. In my presence and alive, Umuoro sat down and agreed that the community has given them enough time, and we willingly relinquished the stool to the second in line of seniority being Uhuogwudu."

The community's leaders, including one of the Counsellors, have also emphasized the importance of respecting tradition and the constitution. The Hon who prefer to remain ananymous. stated, "There is something I want you to know, for this Offor (staff of authority) to be transferred to Uhuogwudu close to a decade now is not by accident. Just listen to me, that Umuoro could not produce the King after more than one year is also not by accident. Know it that, because this authority (staff of office) has been transferred to the Uhuogwudu by Umuoro years back, that is final, so Uhuogwudu is the rightful people to produce the Igwe. It's time to focus on who Uhuogwudu will present as their candidate rather than questioning the kindred's right to produce the king. Let's respect the tradition and constitution of Amankanu and allow the community to move forward.” he added

As Nze Livinus Ani, a farmer and elder from Umuogo, aptly put it, "I stand on the side of justice and nothing more. No one should light fire in our community because you feel you are being sponsored by an enemy of the community, people who hate the peace and tranquility being experienced in the state. Must we politicize everything?"


The facts are clear, and it's time for the community to unite behind the rightful kindred which is Uhuogwudu to produce the next King of Amankanu. 


 Chief Linus Orji sectary general of umuoro General Union and Traditional Prime minister of Amankanu Autonomous community

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