Tension rises in Anambra over destruction of Igwe Nwankwo’s bust by unknown persons

 By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

Tension is mounting in Anambra state following alleged destruction of the bust of Igwe FFBC Nwankwo (Osuofia 1) of Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government area, Anambra state, who had more than two decades ago, through assassination, joined his ancestors.

His son (successor), Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, (Osuofia 11), who also has been on the throne for about 25 years now, condemned the dastardly act and attributed it to the handiwork of enemies of his father, Nwankwo family and the good people of Nwafia.

Unveiling a new bust of his father in substitution of the destroyed one at the People’s Club of Nigeria headquarters, along Onitsha/Owerri road, Friday, Igwe Chijioke disclosed that his father was among the founders of the People’s Club of Nigeria which prompted the club to mount the busts of the founders of the club within the club premises in memory of the founders.

Flanked by the Vice President of the club, Darlington Adibe, Igwe Nwankwo said, “I Commend the President of the People’s Club of Nigeria, headquarters, Fidelix Onyebueke, his Vice, Adibe and members for their cordial relationship with my dad.

“I have been receiving calls from US and other places on this issue of destruction of the sculpted head of my father.

“Vice President, Darlington told me the first day I came to the club on the issue that they were having a meeting to refix the destroyed head. I commended them for welcoming me.

“Our family, we are nine in number but one died and now eight of us, one called Prince Anzy Nwankwo, my sibling, said I can go to Onitsha that he will bring money and others also volunteered to also fund the re-fixing of the sculpted head.

“We wanted to do it within last December but we don’t want to be in a hurry. I know all those whose sculpted heads were with my father. I commend the club for the honour bestowed on my father as one of the founding fathers,” he stated.

In his response, the President of the club, Onyebueke, paid glowing tribute to Igwe FFBC of Nawfia recalling that he was one of the pillars of the club adding that he was loved by all.

The President who spoke through his Vice, Adibe, disclosed that, “We woke up in the morning and saw that the sculpted head of Igwe FFBC of Nawfia was broken to pieces. No sane man will do that.

“I Believe it may be children that will unknowingly and mistakingly do that.

 Who will dare to destroy the sculpted head of Osuofia 1 or touch the Osuofias of Nawfia, unless that person doesn’t want to exist.

“I personally looked for the damaged head to know how I will refix it when I saw the damage in the morning. Osuofias are the untouchables and very accommodative unless you annoy them,” he further disclosed.