Amaoba-Ime Village Heads Fire Back: Dismiss Allegations of Sabotage, Land Sale | READ DETAILS

ABIA STATE - A serious leadership crisis has erupted in Amaoba-Ime, Ikwuano Local Government Area, as the Council of Village Heads strongly refutes allegations made by the community's traditional ruler, HRH Eze Emmanuel N. Otuwa. The controversy stems from a publication and radio announcement made by Eze Otuwa on March 21 and 22, 2025, which accused the village heads of sabotaging Ikwuano LGA and illegally selling lands to the Lodu people of Umuahia North.

In a joint statement signed by Chairman Ezeji Chief Ugochukwu Offor and Secretary Catechist Chief Solomon Enyinnaya Kanu, the Amaoba-Ime Council of Village Heads dismissed the accusations as false and misleading, aimed at creating unrest within the community.

The council revealed that they had been invited to a fact-finding meeting by the Ikwuano LGA Chairman, where they categorically denied any involvement in land sales or actions against the local government. Despite their clarification, Eze Otuwa proceeded to spread false information, which they say undermines the authority of the LGA chairman and disrupts peace efforts in the state.

The Council of Village Heads further accused HRH Eze Emmanuel Otuwa of hiring a journalist to impersonate the office of the Executive Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, spreading fabricated reports to mislead the public. According to them, such actions threaten the peace and unity initiatives led by the Abia State Government and could lead to unnecessary community conflicts.

In response to the controversy, the village heads urged the people of Amaoba-Ime and the entire Abia State to remain calm and not be deceived by propaganda and false narratives. They reaffirmed their commitment to the development and well-being of their people, emphasizing their dedication to working with the Abia State Government in ensuring peace and progress in the region.

The Council of Village Heads called on stakeholders, government officials, and the media to verify facts before making public statements that could cause division.

As tensions rise over the dispute, the big question remains: What is the real motive behind HRH Eze Emmanuel N Otuwa's claims?

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