There is tension in Mkpu-nando Community, Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, following allegations that the monarch, Igwe Alex Edozieuno, embezzled the N150 million land proceed from the government.
The residents on Tuesday staged a protest, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Our Igwe is a thief, he must refund our money”; “We don’t need this hungry monarch again”; “This Igwe should be arrested and prosecuted”; “Governor Willie Obiano come and rescue us from this criminal”, among others.
They marched on the Ama Umuawulu village square and other roads in the community, including the front of the monarch’s building singing war songs.
However, security operatives prevented the crowd from entering into the palace premises.
Protest leader Ifeanyi Iloakasia said the government should order the monarch to release the money.
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According to him, the N150 million was the compensation the government paid to the community for its land. He added that the N40 million for the “Choose your Project” initiative from the government was also with the monarch.
He said: “If the government fails to come to our rescue, we will not have any other option than to seek for self help. The monarch and the estate valuer are on unholy alliance to rip off Mkpunando Community and we will not allow this to continue. The total money paid to the community by the government was N150 million, while the interest was N15 million, and till date, we have not received anything from our Igwe.”
But Igwe Edozieuno described the protesters as liars, saying he does not owe anybody or group. According to him, the main issue for their action was not the money, but because he won the kingship contest, the defeated family is now leading the protest against him.
He said: “They know I’m a rich man, that I have no time to touch their money. I made money when I was 20 years and rode my first car at that age. Their allegations hold no water.”
