Nnobi PG, Barrister Dominic Okpala, Sent to Prison in Onitsha Following Legal Dispute

Barrister Dominic Okpala, the President General (PG) of Nnobi, was recently remanded in Onitsha Prison after the Nnobi Magistrate Court, led by Chief Magistrate Barrister Ken Nwoye, found him in contempt of court.

This decision has sparked controversy and deepened tensions in the community, with many questioning the motivations behind the legal actions that led to Okpala’s imprisonment.

The incident follows years of ongoing disputes within Nnobi, particularly involving the town’s traditional leadership.

At the heart of the issue is Igwe Nick Muodum Obi, the 87-year-old monarch from Awuda, who has long been accused of undermining the town’s unity and constitution.

The struggles between the leadership factions have been particularly intense, with allegations that Igwe Nick has manipulated various legal and administrative processes to gain more control over Nnobi’s affairs, favouring the Awuda quarter in the process.

Since his coronation in 2011, Igwe Nick has faced criticism for disregarding the town’s established constitutional processes, including attempts to unilaterally impose his authority over the PG and other town leaders.

His controversial actions include an effort to sideline the other quarters, Ebenesi and Ngo, and impose his preferred candidates for leadership positions.

This ongoing power struggle has caused deep divisions in the community.

One of the key points of contention arose in 2019 when, after the death of the former PG, Igwe Nick attempted to install a new PG without consulting the broader community, resulting in resistance from the people of Nnobi.

This led to the establishment of a caretaker government, which Igwe Nick vehemently opposed.

The monarch also interfered with the review of Nnobi’s constitution in 2019, attempting to introduce changes that were not in line with the wishes of the community.

Despite these efforts, Barrister Dominic Okpala was elected as the new PG in 2021, under the supervision of the Anambra State Government.

However, Igwe Nick and his allies from the Awuda quarter have continuously opposed Okpala’s leadership.

They have launched several court cases against him and his administration, further exacerbating tensions.

The legal challenges culminated in a decision by the Magistrate to remand Okpala in prison.

The PG had reportedly taken actions in accordance with the directives of the Anambra State Government, yet the court’s decision has raised questions about the fairness of the legal proceedings.

Observers have expressed concerns about possible judicial bias, citing the timing of the case during the Christmas break and the perceived lack of jurisdiction over matters related to the town’s constitution.

The latest development has intensified the divide within Nnobi, with Igwe Nick’s faction continuing to resist any form of compromise or collaboration.

The community is now calling on the Anambra State Government and the state’s judicial authorities to intervene and address the ongoing issues, including possible judicial misconduct and the destabilizing actions of Igwe Nick and his supporters.

As tensions mount, there is growing concern that Nnobi’s future governance and unity are at risk. Many are urging the state to step in and ensure that the traditional role of the Igwe is aligned with the broader interests of the town, as outlined in the Anambra Traditional Rulers Law.

The situation remains unresolved, with both legal and political battles continuing to shape the future of Nnobi.