The Idumuje-Unor community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State has condemned a media report attributed to Ibusa chief Tony Nwankwo Nwaezeigwe, in which he allegedly made disparaging remarks about the traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Obi Charles Chukwumwike Anyasi III.
Following a meeting of the Idumuje-Unor Obi-In-Council, the community affirmed that the revered monarch was simply exercising his constitutional right to free speech regarding the creation of Anioma State. They described Nwaezeigwe’s comments as reckless and disrespectful toward the king’s views.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Obi-In-Council by the Odogwu of Idumuje-Unor, Chief Ike R. Chukwudi, Nwaezeigwe’s remarks were labeled “abominable and highly defamatory.”
Titled “NWAEZEIGWE’S SACRILEGIOUS STATEMENT AGAINST IDUMUJE MONARCH AND KINGDOM: WE STAND BY OUR NOBLE KING,” the statement stressed that the misinformation regarding Anioma identity and Idumuje history was completely unacceptable.
The statement emphasized that “the traditional ruler of Idumuje-Unor and Head of the Idumuje Clan, His Royal Majesty Obi Charles Chukwuwike Anyasi III JP, commands the respect and loyalty of the people as a royal father of integrity.”
It further read:
“We strongly condemn Nwaezeigwe’s offensive and reckless remarks, which we consider a grave taboo—a serious act of sacrilege not only against our royal father but against the entire Idumuje Clan, including Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, and Aniofu.
“Given the sacred customs surrounding the Obi’s throne, revisiting Nwaezeigwe’s reckless statements is entirely forbidden. Nevertheless, we firmly denounce his deplorable attack as malicious misinformation filled with unimaginable mischief.”
“It is worth recalling that His Royal Majesty, the Obi of Idumuje-Unor, recently appeared on TVC during the news program ‘Behind the Headlines,’ where he granted an interview. During the broadcast, the Obi addressed a wide range of contemporary issues, including the renewed push for the creation of Anioma State, led by Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North Senatorial District.
“Our esteemed Obi never suggested during the interview that all Anioma people, including the Idumuje Clan, originated from a single place. He noted that many migrated from Benin, while the Olukumi came from Owo in the West, some groups like the Ebu trace their roots to Igala, and others came from the East. The Obi emphasized that while everyone has the right to acknowledge their specific ancestry, Aniomas are officially classified as ‘statutorily Igbos.’”
“The public should be aware that the current hardworking monarch is the third ruler of the Anyasi dynasty and the 11th in line from Okwunye. Nwaezeigwe’s attempt to create conflict between Imeogbe Ihunmor and Okwunye, and then between Atuma and Imeogbe Ihunmor, is both mischievous and malicious, as no such disputes exist.
“The Obi showcased his exceptional leadership on the TV broadcast, combining aristocratic elegance with the compelling charisma of a thoughtful and enigmatic royal. He addressed every issue with authority, intellectual rigor, clarity, and the poise befitting his status.
“Yet, for reasons that defy logic, Nwaezeigwe offered a completely misguided and ignorant interpretation of the interview.
“We are deeply concerned that he has recently defamed other monarchs in Delta North through his reckless and misguided activism disguised as social commentary a dangerous and self-destructive pattern of behavior.”
“A brief review of his deceitful and recycled articles reveals a shocking level of irresponsibility and behavior entirely unbecoming of an elder who claims the title of Odogwu of Ibusa.
“While Nwaezeigwe attempted to fabricate a conflict between the Idumuje and Odiani clans, history shows that the two have coexisted peacefully for generations. Moreover, to correct his deliberate misrepresentation of hierarchy, Idumuje-Unor is officially recognized as the head of the nine communities that make up the recently approved Aniocha-North State Constituency II (including Idumuje and Odiani).
“The Obi of Idumuje-Unor is far greater than anything Nwaezeigwe could imagine, even with binoculars. Obi Anyasi III is not a ‘former journalist’ or a mere traditional ruler in the distorted and disrespectful sense Nwaezeigwe portrays.
“Our royal father stands tall as one of Nigeria’s most iconic media figures, a legendary newspaper columnist, and a devoted philanthropist and humanitarian. Today, he is also an exemplary and enigmatic king. As custodian of our heritage, he uplifts the entire Idumuje community. We firmly stand by our king.”
