Igweship Tussle: Anambra community writes Soludo, Police over illegal new yam festival

Crisis is brewing in Ihite Community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, following the announcement of a date for the new yam festival of the community, despite a pending dispute over the throne. Chief Timothy Okwudiri Ifurunwa had in January 2026 been installed as the traditional ruler of the community after he was issued a certificate of recognition by the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. Before his installation, members of Ihite Traditional Council, the body saddled with the job of selecting the king had frowned at the selection process, insisting that they were sidelined, and a fake council used to prosecute the job. They challenged the selection in court, and secured a court order annulling and setting aside the coronation, until all matters pending in court about the selection were duly treated. Last week, Timothy Ifurunwa announced the date for the town's new yam festival.