Diaspora Group Bashed For Causing Tension In Ogbunike Over Legal Action To Halt Igweship Election

As Ogbunike prepares for its long-awaited Igweship election scheduled for 13th September, 2025, fresh controversy has emerged following a lawsuit filed by a group of diaspora-based titleholders, who claimed that the process lacked constitutional legitimacy.

The group, under the banner of Ndi Ogbuefi Ogbunike in Diaspora, said that they took the matter to court to prevent what they described as a “constitutional breach” and “imposition of leadership”.

In a public statement released on 19th August, 2025, the group listed several grievances — including the alleged expiration of the Ogbunike Progress Union (OPU) executives tenure, the validity of a stakeholders’ meeting which led to state approval for the election, and disputes within the Council of Ndichie and Ogbuefi titleholders.

But back home, the move has drawn sharp criticism from traditional titleholders, elders, and key community figures, who described the court action as misguided, disruptive, and out of touch with local realities.

Leaders of the Forum of Traditional Titled Men in Ogbunike have condemned the diaspora group’s decision to seek a legal injunction, calling it an “unwarranted interference” in a process that has already gained majority support across the six villages of Ogbunike.

“It is unfortunate that those who have lived away from the daily affairs of the town now wish to hijack the process with lawsuits,” Chief Ikechukwu Odinmuo said.

“This election is not being rushed. It is the product of months of consultations, village engagements, and constitutional planning.”

The immediate past President General of Ogbunike Progress Union, OPU, Chief Chigozie Ikegulu, in his reaction to the purported lawsuit, asked what will be of Ogbunike as a community if court granted the prayers of the diaspora Ndichie.

“Let me tell you.1, She will be a town without leadership. 2, A laughing stock amongst other communities. 3, A non existent community. You sort for actions without providing the alternatives or options.”

“Your requests are so scandalous that I wonder at your intentions. First and foremost, in as much as, you people regard us here, as brainwashed or beggerly as was insinuated by an earlier write up by Ichie Ojulueze “Sycophants looking for loaf”. Who vehemently denied the involvement of “Ndi diaspora” in any sponsorship or any court case but here you are, saying the exact opposite.

“My take is that, you guys might have good intentions but you are approaching it wrongly, the state government controls the town unions and puts them in check, they intervene when the need arises, not at the whimps and caprices of “Ndi diaspora “. Before you make certain ascertions, make your enquiry properly” Chief Ikegulu stated.

Chief Ikechukwu Odinmuo said, “The state government’s approval for the September 13 election followed a well-documented stakeholders’ meeting attended by delegates from all Ogbunike villages, including the Executive members of OPU, and Ndichie”.

With less than a month to the election, community leaders have urged all factions to respect the process and allow the people to decide. They argue that trying to stop the process now would risk deepening divisions and prolonging a leadership vacuum.

“This court case is not the solution. The solution is transparency, unity, and respect for the will of the people. Community First, Not Court First said Elder Dr Obi Anyanyo, Chairman, Forum of Traditional Titled Men of Ogbunike.

While the diaspora group insists its actions are in defense of Ogbunike’s peace and constitution, many on the ground feel otherwise. With the election date approaching, there are growing calls for dialogue, reconciliation, and the need to focus on selecting a unifying figure through the ballot.

As an Elder Statesman, Sir Chuma Anekwe said, “Let the people vote. Whoever emerges Igwe must then rise above all factions to restore unity and dignity to Ogbunike”.