The Anambra Government has waded into the crisis rocking Ihiala community over selection of “Oluoha of Ihiala,” the traditional stool of the community.

The crisis which has enveloped Ihiala community since 2017 following the death of the late Oluoha, Dr C I Okechukwu may finally be a thing of the past as the state government wades into the issue.

The state government in its bid to restore normalcy in the community recently instituted a panel headed by former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr Paul Odenigbo.

The seven-man panel which consist of eminent traditional rulers and top government functionaries in the state also held separate closed door meeting with leaders from the opposing factions

Presiding over the hearing in Awka, the panel chairman said the state government was determined to resolve the crisis in the community and restore lasting peace.

He reminded the two contending factions that only the truth could help the panel determine the rightful person to ascend the ‘oluoha’ throne.

The two contenders, Mr Thomas Obidiegwu and Mr Azuka Alagwu both from Umunnebogbu community of Ihiala are laying claim to the traditional stool.

Odenigbo gave assurance that his panel at the end of the hearing would ensure that the right recommendations were made to the state government.

He said, “Government is determined to end the crisis in your community, and only truth can help us resolve the problem.

“I am sure that Ihiala people love peace, and we will ensure that this panel makes the right recommendations to the state government to help it settle the crisis in Ihiala amicably.”

Chairman of the panel, while declining interview from journalists, said that details of the meeting would form its recommendations to the state government.

Leaders of the community, who had earlier submitted copies of their memoranda, expressed confidence in the composition of the panel resolving the crisis in their community.

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