It was jubilation galore in Ndiowu in Orumba North local government area of Anambra state following the emergence of Chief Chibuzor Okekeifi as the traditional ruler of the community.
The town had existed without a monarch for eleven years after the death of its last monarch until the recent election that produced Okekeifi.
According to the returning officer for the election, Mr Alex Omenugor, the monarch-elect polled 506 votes to defeat his four other contesters: Chief Onyeka Ekwueme, Mr Ogochukwu Nwankwo, Mr Onyeka Kanu and Chief Obuneme Okeke who scored 2, 2, 2 and 0 votes respectively.
In his brief acceptance speech, the visibly excited monarch-elect thanked the people for turning out en masse to participate in the exercise, promising to be father to all through an all-inclusive leadership.
He said he ran for the exalted seat to ensure a safe environment for the people so they could sleep with their two eyes closed, just as he vowed to put an end to all forms of divisions in the community.
“My rulership will transform Ndiowu community into a modern city in Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole. We will ensure every son and daughter of Ndiowu acquire a University degree irrespective of family background,” he added.
The Chairman, Orumba North Local Government Area, Casmir Nwafor described the election as transparent, credible, peaceful, free and fair.
Former Deputy Majority Leader, State House of Assembly, Chief Emeka Aforka, also expressed joy over the outcome of the poll.
“This is a very remarkable day; the people are happy with the outcome of the exercise. As you can see, history has been made today as we have elected a credible leader as our new traditional ruler,” he stated.
A US-based indigene of Umudiabo-Ndiowu, Dr. Boaka Nwajiagu expressed joy for being part of the exercise that produced a credible monarch for the community
He was confident that the new monarch would lead the community to greater heights, adding that, “Chief Okekeifi is not looking for what Ndiowu can do for him, but what he can do for the betterment of the community.”
A stakeholder in the community, Prof Onyeka Iloh expressed gratitude to God for liberating the community from years of bondage and underdevelopment.
Iloh, Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli campus expressed confidence in the monarch-elect’s capacity to deliver, pledging support to take the town to greater heights.
Dean, Department of Marketing, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Prof Ogonnah Nwangene described the election outcome as turning point in the history of the town.
“Just look around and see that our people are rejoicing. When the righteous are in power, the people rejoice. Our joy knows no bounds because at last Ndiowu is liberated,” he noted.
