*Imposition of an Illegitimate Constitution on Ndi Amankanu Ohofia*
The Amankanu Ohofia Autonomous Community, Oduma, is currently engulfed in a major governance dispute following the introduction of an allegedly illegitimate constitution by the caretaker Town Union. According to concerned citizens, the document being circulated as the “gazetted constitution” neither reflects the collective will of the people nor aligns with their historical, cultural, and legal framework.
This development has sparked serious tension in the community and raised critical questions about legitimacy, due process, and respect for established traditions.
Why Ndi Amankanu Reject the Imposed Constitution
Below are the 15 strong reasons provided by the community for rejecting the constitution introduced by the caretaker committee.
1. Authored by Opponents of the Autonomous Community
The constitution was allegedly written by individuals who initially resisted the creation of the autonomous community and included names of people who were never consulted.
2. Ignores Amankanu Traditions and Values
The document does not reflect the established customs, resource-sharing systems, or leadership rotation practices of Amankanu.
3. Manipulative and Unfair Zoning
The constitution creates Zone A and Zone B, yet some kindreds are placed in both zones for political gain—an arrangement rejected by the majority.
4. Violates Enugu State Law (2025 Amendment)
It contradicts the Enugu State Law for Traditional Rulers and Town Unions, especially by allowing Igwe, Onowu, and PG to emerge from the same zone.
5. Designed to Favor a Particular Family
Many believe the constitution was crafted to entrench one family’s dominance and maintain long-term control over community leadership.
6. Disenfranchises Key Sections of the Community
Certain villages are systemically excluded from leadership opportunities due to the flawed zoning.
7. A Catalyst for Crisis
Implementation of the constitution is expected to trigger litigations, protests, and possible violence due to widespread rejection.
8. Gazetted Without Proper Authorization
It was allegedly gazetted without the knowledge or approval of the sitting President General—an obvious procedural breach.
9. Inconsistent and Fraudulent Dates
The approval and adoption dates contradict logical timelines, even predating the actual creation of the autonomous community.
10. Neglect of Ancestral Zones
The ancestral zones Ogwudunaobia and Agbonoke na Okeogu were not equitably represented—fueling tension and potential secessionist tendencies.
11–14. Existence of a Legitimate Harmonised Constitution
A credible, collectively-written harmonised constitution already exists and was used to conduct:
elections, installation of previous town union officers, and the Igwe election.
It was submitted to the ministry years ago but was allegedly sidelined through backdoor manipulation.
15. Political Manipulation on 20th July 2025
The appearance of the controversial constitution coincided with the visit of the Local Government Chairman, Prince Ugochukwu Nwanjoku, during which the town union leadership was abruptly changed.
*The Demands of Ndi Amankanu:* What the Community Wants
The community has made two clear demands to restore peace and legitimacy.
1. Total Withdrawal of the Illegitimate Constitution
The people of Amankanu want the caretaker Town Union to discard the imposed constitution immediately, citing the unrest it has caused.
2. Gazette the Harmonised Constitution
The community insists that the Ministry should officially gazette the authentic harmonised constitution, which was:
written by credible indigenes, accepted by all kindreds, aligned with tradition and law, and used for previous legitimate leadership processes. A Fight for Justice, Identity, and Community Peace
The conflict in Amankanu Ohofia Autonomous Community goes beyond legalities. It is a struggle for fairness, cultural preservation, and protection against political manipulation. Ndi Amankanu remain united in demanding a constitution that reflects the collective will of the people.
Their message is clear and firm:
“No constitution will stand in Amankanu unless it represents the voice of the people.”
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