PRESS RELEASE/COMMUNIQUE
FROM THE PALACE OF OBI GEORGE ONYEKABA THE OBI OF NNEWICHI NNEWI.
The Palace of Obi George Onyekaba the Obi of Nnewichi Nnewi, after due consultations with the leadership and critical stakeholders of Nnewichi Nnewi, hereby informs the people of Nnewi, friends of Nnewi, and the general public of the decision of Nnewichi Nnewi to withdraw from the activities of Nzukọra Nnewi Forum and consequently not participate in Afiolu Nnewi 2026.
This decision was not taken lightly. It follows persistent concerns over what the community considers a pattern of unequal treatment, disregard for its institutional leadership, and actions perceived to be inconsistent with the principles of equity, mutual respect, and inclusiveness upon which Nzukọra Nnewi was established.
The concerns communicated by Nnewichi Community include the following:
- The issuance of a communiqué supporting a second tenure for the incumbent Mayor of Nnewi North Local Government without consultation with, or the participation of, Nnewichi Community, despite Nnewichi’s position regarding the 1997 rotational zoning arrangement.
- The continued suspension of the Secretary-General of Nzukọra Nnewi from Nnewichi Community, Prince Chike Agwuncha, following his expressed opinion that the communiqué did not represent a collective decision.
- The endorsement of the communiqué by representatives of Otolo, Uruagu, and Umudim without inviting or consulting the leadership of Nnewichi Community.
- The failure to acknowledge or give timely consideration to several official correspondences submitted by Nnewichi Nnewi to Nzukọra Nnewi.
- A sustained perception within Nnewichi Community that its interests and contributions have been marginalized in the affairs of Nzukọra Nnewi.
- The non-release of the community’s security support allocation reportedly made available for the strengthening of central security operations.
- The refusal to provide Nnewichi Community with Nzukọra security levy receipt booklets while similar materials were reportedly made available to the other constituent communities.
- The nomination of persons to represent Nnewichi Community on the Afiolu Nnewi 2026 Planning Committee without the endorsement or approval of the recognized leadership of Nnewichi Community.
- Repeated engagement with village associations on matters affecting Nnewichi Community while bypassing the duly constituted leadership of the community, contrary to what Nnewichi considers the established relationship between Nzukọra Nnewi and the four constituent communities.
- Statements allegedly attributed to the Mayor of Nnewi North concerning the traditional institution of Nnewichi, which the community considers inconsistent with the respect due to traditional authority.
The Palace wishes to state that Nnewichi Community remains firmly committed to the unity, peace, progress, and development of Nnewi. However, genuine unity can only flourish where every constituent community is treated with fairness, dignity, equality, and mutual respect.
Accordingly, until these concerns are satisfactorily addressed through sincere dialogue and institutional reforms, Nnewichi Community shall not participate in Afiolu Nnewi 2026 and shall suspend its participation in the activities of Nzukọra Nnewi Forum.
This decision should not be interpreted as a rejection of the Nnewi identity or the historic bonds among the four constituent communities. Rather, it is a call for justice, equity, accountability, and the restoration of confidence in the institutions established to unite our people.
The Palace remains open to constructive engagement and genuine reconciliation founded on fairness, respect, and adherence to due process.
Long Live Nnewichi Community.
Long Live Nnewi.
Long Live Anambra State.
PRiNCE EZENWA AFAM NWACHUKWU
Palace Secretary
Palace of Obi George Onyekaba
The Obi of Nnewichi Nnewi,
Nnewi North Local Government Area,
Anambra State
23rd July, 2026.