Maureen Aguta

 

Tension has engulfed Eziama Oparanadim Autonomous Community in Ahiazu-Mbaise Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State following a fierce leadership dispute that has now taken a tragic turn with the death of a former President General, Pastor Samuel Anyanwu.

 

The community has been thrown into mourning after Pastor Anyanwu, described by residents as a respected elder statesman died shortly after he was arrested during what community members call a “politically motivated clampdown.”

Disputed Election, Issued Certificate of Return

One of the actors in the conflict, Mr. Chima Iwuagwu, insists he is the duly elected President General of Oparanadim Autonomous Community. In a document addressed to the Ahiazu LGA Chairman, he stated that he was issued a Certificate of Return following an election allegedly held on July 5, 2025.

 

According to Iwuagwu, the election “was free, fair, credible and transparent,” conducted under an electoral committee headed by Barr. Loveday Njoku.
He said he and other elected officers were sworn in immediately afterward and later presented to the traditional ruler, Eze Louis Nwokeke, through his representative, the Traditional Prime Minister, Chief Engr. Alex Nwaigwe; as mark of courtesy and the Eze’s royal blessing.

Iwuagwu appealed to the LGA chairman to officially recognize him as the lawful President General.

Counter-Claims and Rising Tensions

However, another resident, Mr. Vincent Okoroego, is said to also be laying claim to the PG position. Community members allege that Okoroego has been “using the police to intimidate residents” while insisting he won the same election—an assertion strongly disputed by Iwuagwu’s supporters.

 

Some residents also accuse Eze Louis Nwokeke, the traditional ruler, of siding with Okoroego. They allege that the monarch “boasted he would determine who becomes PG,” a claim Advocacy Times has not independently verified. The palace has not yet issued an official response.

Pre-Dawn Arrest and Death of Former PG

Tension reportedly escalated recently when officers of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrived in the community around 4:00 a.m. to arrest the councillor, Mr Gabriel Anyanwu and former PG, Pastor Samuel Anyanwu.

 

Sources claim the arrest was based on a petition allegedly filed by Mr. Okoroego. Community members say the shock of the incident severely affected Pastor Anyanwu, who was rushed to hospital after his health deteriorated. He was later confirmed dead.

 

Residents say his remains have been deposited in a mortuary.

Community in Mourning, Leaders Under Pressure

The incident has sparked outrage among villagers, who accuse local actors of weaponizing law enforcement to influence the community’s leadership struggle. They are now calling on the Ahiazu-Mbaise LGA chairman, the Imo State Government, and the police authorities to intervene before the crisis escalates further.

 

As at press time, attempts to obtain official comments from the Imo State Police Command had not been successful.

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