The Amofia Affa Community in Udi Local Government Area of Enuhu State, has elected Chief Wilfred Ilouno, as it’s traditional ruler after 19 years of leadership tussle.
In a well attended election, Ilouno, an industrialist, polled 441 votes to beat two other contestants to the race.
The two other contestants, Chief Donatus Anigbo and Dr Sylvester Ibe, did not score any votes.
The election was organised by Amofia Affa National Town Union (ANTU) and monitored by the representatives of the state Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Issuing the Certificate of Observation and Return to the Igwe elect, the Director, Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Ogochukwu Ozoagu, extolled the manner the community organised and comported themselves during the election.
Ozoagu urged the town union to present the new chief to the Council for necessary recommendations to the Chieftaincy Affairs office.
She said that the absence of a traditional ruler had denied the community so many incentives from the government.
“The person you elected is expected to be a custodian of culture, custom, and tradition as well as a custodian of peace, a developer and achiever that will attract development to the community.
“We observed the exercise, and it was peaceful and hitch-free,” she said.
In his acceptance speech, Ilouno said the tussle on who would be the traditional ruler of the community started nearly 20 years ago.
“I dedicate this victory to God, and I am so concerned about the well-being and development of Amofia Affa.
“My assurance is that the vision I have for our community will come true. I will be the bridge between Amofia Imezi and Amofia Agu.
“There shall be no division between the two communities again because we shall be known and called one Amofia, and I will reign with trust, truthfulness, and justice as well as a father to all,” Ilouno said.
He, however, appealed for peace, love, and unity among members of the community.
The Igwe elect thanked Gov. Peter Mbah and Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Okey Ogbodo for making the election possible.
Earlier in a welcome speech, the President-General of Amofia Affa Autonomous Community, Mr Victor Uchedienyi, said that Amofia Affa was made of two communities, Amofia Imezi and Amofia Agu.
Uchedienyi said the struggle for kingship for the community started after the death of their former traditional ruler, Igwe Christopher Amalu, who died on the throne in 2005.
“Since then, we have never had an Igwe until now,” he said.
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