The traditional ruler-elect of the Ihite community is Timothy Ifurunwa.
Chief Timothy Ifurunwa of Umuezeala kindred, Umuezeawuru village, has been chosen by the Ihite community in Orumba South Local Government Area to serve as the group’s new traditional leader.
This follows the conclusion of Igwe Benson Ofu’s final ofala in 2021, during which he joined his forefathers.
Male community members, both young and old, gathered in Orie Market Square, Ihite, for the election, which was overseen by representatives of the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The election followed the rules set forth by the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs for the peaceful election of the state’s traditional rulers.
Despite the lack of a competitor, 228 community members lined up behind Chief Ifurunwa to demonstrate their support and bestow credibility.
Prior to the exercise starting, Chief Michael Ugwu, the community’s Electoral College Chairman, gave an explanation of how Chief Ifurunwa passed the necessary and stringent procedures in accordance with the community’s constitution and received certification as eligible to run for office.
The President General of Ihite Development Union, Mr. George Madu, presented Chief Ifurunwa as the Igwe-elect to the community’s members. He pointed out that his people have been losing a lot because of the vacancy on the traditional stool and promised that more development will start to come to the community after the exercise.
The chairman of the Transition Committee for Orumba South Local Government Area, Prince Neville Uchendu, congratulated Chief Ifurunwa on his ascent and expressed his satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the exercise. He also reminded other communities in the area that will soon hold elections for their traditional rulers that Governor Chukwuma Soludo wants nothing less than what transpired in Ihite.
Chief Cyprian Okereke, a member of the Electoral College and the former chairman of the Orumba South Local Government Area’s Transition Committee, expressed confidence that the Igwe-elect will guide the community toward progress and sustainable development and praised other community members for their contributions to the smooth execution of the exercise.
Chief Ifurunwa, the Igwe-elect, made an appeal for the ongoing support of his people in his acceptance address. He also pledged to lay forth a plan of action to bolster security, advance justice and peace, and guarantee the Ihite community’s sustainable development.
Numerous well-known locals, including architect Mike Okonkwo and former commissioner for housing, attended the occasion.
Chief Ifurunwa was later led back to his home by Igba-Eze Umuozodi, who was also utilized to celebrate the win.
