Ihite Community Traditional Council seeks halt to proposed yam festival

A leadership dispute in the Ihite Community of Orumba South, Anambra State, has escalated following the announcement of the Ihejioku Ihite 2026 new yam festival, scheduled for September 29, 2026.

The announcement was made by Chief Timothy Okwudiri Ifurunwa, who was installed as the traditional ruler in January following recognition by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. However, members of the Ihite Traditional Council have challenged his legitimacy, alleging they were sidelined during the selection process. The council has obtained a court order from the State High Court in Umunze annulling the coronation until legal disputes regarding the selection are resolved.

Represented by lawyer N. I. Onyeakpa, the council has petitioned Governor Soludo and the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, to halt the festival. The petitioners argue that the disputed monarch lacks the authority to set festival dates and warn that proceeding could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the community.