The Board of Trustees of Nzuko-Ora Nnewi (BOTNON) has reaffirmed a four-year rotational tenure arrangement for leadership positions across the four communities of Nnewi, effectively resolving lingering disputes over the succession of the Nnewi North Local Government chairmanship.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued after a stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the palace of the Igwe of Nnewi, His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. K.O.N. Orizu III (CON).
According to the communiqué, the meeting was convened to address accusations, counter-accusations, and divisive narratives surrounding the rotation and tenure of political offices in Nnewi, which the Board warned had begun to threaten peace and unity within the community.
Stakeholders Reach Consensus
The BOT disclosed that key stakeholders present included representatives of the four quarters of Nnewi – Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewichi as well as the Igwe of Nnewi, the Obi of Uruagu, Obi of Umudim, Obi of Nnewichi, the leadership of Nzuko-Ora Nnewi, and the Presidents-General of the four quarters.
After extensive deliberations, stakeholders unanimously agreed that peace and unity in Nnewi are sacrosanct and must be preserved at all times.
They further affirmed that the rotational agreement governing political leadership in Nnewi is clear and unambiguous, with each community entitled to a full four-year tenure in all elective political offices.
Tenure Clarifications
The communiqué clarified that Umudim Community is entitled to complete its full four-year tenure, stressing that it would be unjust for Umudim to serve only two years when the immediate past elected local government chairman completed a full four-year term.
It was also resolved that Nnewichi Community will be next in line to produce the Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government after Umudim completes its tenure and will also serve a four-year term.
Thereafter, the rotation will move to Uruagu and then Otolo, in strict accordance with the existing rotational agreement established in 1997.
Call for Unity
The Board emphasized that no community should be shortchanged, marginalised, or treated unfairly, noting that all resolutions were reached in good faith and must be respected to ensure sustained peace and development in Nnewi.
The communiqué was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sir Dennis C. Ofordeme, and the Secretary, Engr. Sir Chidi Anuligo, who urged all stakeholders to uphold unity, declaring that “united we stand, divided we fall.”
