House Committee Adjourns Hearing On Sand Mining Allegations, Against Nanka Monarch

The Anambra State House of Assembly’s Committee on Public Petitions has adjourned the case brought by Amakor Village, Nanka, Orumba North against the traditional ruler o f Nanka, HRH Igwe Godwin Ezeilo, and other key figures, including the President-General of Nanka, Revd. Canon John Ezeike. The case revolves around allegations of illegal sand mining and manipulated traditional processes in the community.   


The petitioners, under the banner of the Amakor Njikoka Development Union (ANDU), stated that HRH Igwe Godwin Ezeilo manipulated traditional processes to undermine Amakor’s administrative structure which has denied Amakor Village the Onowu title. Noting again that Igwe Ezeilo engaging in sand mining is contrary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive, which bans illegal sand mining in the Nanka gully erosion site. They also cited the removal of a security gate leading to the mining site, giving room to environmental degradation of the area.

Presenting the case, Barr. Emmanuel Iloh, spokesperson for ANDU, asserted that Amakor Village has suffered significant injustice at the hands of Igwe Ezeilo and a few members of the Nanka Patriotic Union (NPU). He alleged misuse of power by the traditional ruler and urged the House Committee to use its impartial nature to protect the community from Igwe Ezeilo’s actions, which he maintained threatens the peace and progress of Amakor Village and Nanka town.

Barr. Asina Okafor, another member of ANDU, reiterated these concerns, urging the committee to consider the substantial legal evidence provided. He appealed to the committee to address and rectify the alleged injustices, emphasizing the need to restore harmony and unity not only within Amakor Village but also across the broader Nanka community.

In his defense, Igwe Ezeilo dismissed the allegations as false, malicious, and defamatory. He argued that the poor condition of the roads makes mining impossible and that the accusations against him are baseless. Regarding the selection of the traditional Prime Minister, Igwe Ezeilo stated that the process adhered to community traditions and that the petitioners have no right to dictate this process.

Igwe Ezeilo elaborated, stating, “What transpired is that some individuals leveled allegations against me and my President-General that we are excavating or mining sand against the will of Gov. Soludo. This is malicious. All these great people you see around me will testify that no car can get close to the mining site from Nanka.”

Revd. Canon John Ezeike, President-General of the Nanka Patriotic Union, also responded, criticizing those he claimed were attempting to tarnish the image of Igwe Ezeilo and the Nanka community. He insisted that no illegal excavation is taking place in the community.