Constitution - Awka-Etiti Town
……To establish a Harmonious
Under the Fear of God,
Dedicated to the reign of peace,
Unity and Progress, and based on Truth,
Love, Goodwill and Mutual Co-operation
amongst all the Citizens and between
all Villages.
PART 1
CHAPTER 1
PREAMBLE
We the people of Awka-Etiti
Having firmly solemnly resolved:
To sink all our differences and to establish a harmonious
community under fear of god, dedicated to the reign
of peace, unity and progress, based on truth, love, goodwill
and mutual co-operation amongst all the citizens and between
all the villages.
To make adequate provisions for the re-establishment of our
Indigenous tradition, culture and customary institutions and
for the peaceful traditional administration of Awka-Etiti and
effective regulation of its traditional offices and institutions.
And to harness available human and material resources for
the development of Awka-Etiti; and to provide a constitution
for the purpose of promoting a custom, culture, tradition,
good governance and welfare of the citizens of Awka-Etiti on
the principles of progress, freedom, equity, equality and
justice and for the purpose of consolidating the unity of
Awka-Etiti.
DO HEREBY, ENACT AND TO GIVE OURSELVES
THE FOLLOWING CONSTITUTION:
- i. This constitution is supreme and its provisions shall Supremacy of the Constitution
have binding effect on authorities, institutions
and persons and all the rules and bye-laws made by the
institutions or authorities in Awka-Etiti;
ii. The provisions of the constitution shall prevail
over all persons, institutions, customs and
traditions, In Awka-Etiti and all rules or bye-laws
made under or in furtherance of such customs,
traditions and institutions.
iii. If any rule or bye-law made by an institutions,
authority, persons or body corporate is,
inconsistent with any of the provisions of this
constitution, this constitution shall prevail, and the
other rule or bye-law shall to the extent of the
inconsistency be null and void.
2. i. There shall be established for the whole of Awka- Establishment of A.I.U
Etiti a body known as AWKA-ETITI
IMPROVEMENT UNION (A.I.U)
ii. The compositions, aims and objectives of the said
body shall be as prescribed in part II of this
constitution.
- Subject to the provision of this constitution, every citizen Right to vote at election
of Awka-Etiti who has attained the 18 years of age and above
shall be entitled to vote at the election of any elective
office, and be voted for except otherwise provided by
this constitution.
4. The Obi-in-council, all holders of traditional authority, the Fundamental objectives
The President General and all functionaries of Awka-Etiti
Improvement union shall carry out all their function under
this constitution in such a manner to promote love,
peace, goodwill, harmony, justice and co-operation
among the people of Awka-Etiti irrespective of sex,
religion and village of origin.
5. i. There shall be for the whole of Awka-Etiti a flag Establishment of Awka
to be known and called “AWKA-ETITI FLAG”. Etiti Flag
The flag shall be made up of three colours; blue,
white and green, with seven stars printed on the
white piece presenting the 7 villages of Awka-
Etiti, the blue signifies love, white signifies peace
And unity, green signifies growth and progress.
ii. The Awka-Etiti flag and the Nigerian flag shall be
Permanently hosted at Awka-Etiti Town Hall,
Obi’s palace, Ana- Awka, the village halls and any
Other official premises established by, or locate in
Awka-Etiti.
6. Awka-Etiti is made up of seven villages listed in Villages in Awka-Etiti
Their order of seniority as follows; NKOLOFIA,
UMUNOCHA, EJIGHANDU, IRUOWELLE, UMUDUNU,
NNABA and OGUNZELLE.
7. i. The office of the Obi shall be filled by rotation Rotation of Obi
Amongst the indigenes of the seven villages of
Awka-Etiti in accordance with the following order
Of succession;
1st Nkolofia
2nd Umunocha
3rd Ejighinandu
4th Iruowelle
5th Umudunu
6th Nnaba
7th Ogunzelle
ii Where in accordance with the said order of
Succession, the incumbent Obi, who is an indigene
Of Iruowelle village, vacates office or is deemed to
have vacated office, then the next succeeding Obi
shall be an indigene of Nkolofia village.
iii Not withstanding that the incumbent Obi is from
Iruowelle village, the turn of Iruowelle village
stated in sub-section (1) of this session shall not be
in the succession sequence.
CHAPTER 2:
ESTABLISHMENT OF TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS:
8. i. There shall be for the whole of Awka-Etiti an Obi, The Obiship
whose official title shall be OBI OF AWKA- ETITI.
ii. The obi shall be the premier citizen and the
traditional ruler of Awka-Etiti.
iii. He shall reign for life unless in accordance with the
the provisions of this constitution, he vacates his office
or is deemed to have vacated his office.
iv He shall perform the functions of office in
in accordance with the provisions of this constitution
and the advice of the council of Ichies.
9. i. There shall be established for the whole of Awka- Council of Ichies
Etiti a body to be known as the COUNCIL OF
ICHIES.
ii The council of Ichies shall be made up of two
Ndichies from each ward. The council of Ichies
Sitting with the Obi shall be referred to as OBI-
IN- COUNCIL.
iii Each ward shall elect a fit and proper person to
serve in the council of the Ichies, such persons shall
possess the qualification provided for in section 14
of this constitution.
iv. The council of Ichies shall elect two of its members,
the chairman and the secretary of the council
respectively provided that the Chairman must be
an Ichie elected.
v. The meeting of the council shall be held at the
Obi’s palace and shall be summoned by the
Secretary on Obi’s instruction or the Council’s
Chairman in consultation with the Obi or when 1/3
of the council members so direct.
vi. Where a matter deliberated upon by the council is
not determined unanimously it shall be
determined by votes cast by simple majority of
the members present.
vii. An elected member of the council of Ichies shall
hold office for life unless he is removed from office
or ceases to be a member according to the
provisions of section 18 & 20 of this constitution.
viii. An appointed member shall cease to be a member
Of the council of Ichies as soon as the office of the
Obi that appointed him becomes or is deemed
vacant or he is removed by the same Obi.
ix. An appointed member shall enjoy the same status
as the elected member.
10. i. There shall be a for the whole of Awka-Etiti one Eze-Ana Awka
Eze-Ana Awka, who must hail from Ezi Awka
family Nkolofia.
ii. Eze- Ana- Awka is the spiritual head and the
Chief Priest of Ana-Awka and shall be called and
referred to as Eze-Ana Awka.
iii. Eze-Ana Awka shall hold office for life.
- i. The Commission of Awka- Etiti upholds Ndindi , an Ndindi
age long female cultural organization.
ii. The Ndindi shall be made up of two members each
from each ward in Awka Etiti.
iii. It shall be the responsibility of each ward to elect
their Ndindis and forward their names to the A.I.U.
for screening.
iv. Ndindi shall be accountable to the A.I.U. in all
matters particular.
- i. Whenever the office of Obi is vacated for any Regent
reason whatsoever the chairman of the council of
Ichie shall assume the office of the Regent of Awka-
Etiti and shall perform in that capacity until a new
Obi is elected and installed.
ii. The Regent who shall be sworn into the office by the
Legal Adviser to the A.I.U. before the people shall have
the same qualification as an Obi.
The Regent shall have the right to determine
the venue for the meetings of the Regent-In-
Council.
CHAPTER 3:
QUALIFICATION FOR TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS:
- A person is qualified to be elected to the office of the Obi of Qualification for Obi of
Awka Etiti if; Awka- Etiti
i. He is the indigene of Awka- Etiti in absolute. His
father shall be of Awka- Etiti descendants and
ancestry. He shall be a person whose father was
ii. An indigene of Awka Etiti and whose mother was
legitimately married to the father;
his genealogy shall be traceable from to many
generations back.
iii. He has attained 45 years of age.
iv. He is not a member of any cult or secret society.
v. He has the a visible and honest means of livelihood;
vi. He has a reasonable knowledge of culture,
custom and tradition of Awka Etiti.
v. He has not been convicted of any criminal offence
by any court of jurisdiction in Nigeria or
elsewhere in the world.
vii. He is of a sound mind; and a reasonably literate.
viii. He possesses reasonably moral courage and self
discipline, capable of dispensing justice and fairness
with love and fear of God and without fear or favour.
ix. His father is late and he owns a befitting Obi before
coronation.
x. He is not a member of any cult and secret society.
xi. He is an initiate of any Ozo title in Awka- Etiti.
- A person is qualified to be elected to the office of Ichie if; Qualifications for an Ichie
i. If he is a male indigene of Awka- Etiti;
ii. He has attained 40 years of age,
iii. He has an initiate of Ozo title in Awka-Etiti,
iv. He has visible and honest means of livelihood,
v. He has not been convicted of criminal offence
by any court of competent jurisdiction in
Nigeria, or elsewhere in the world.
vi. He is of a sound mind and a reasonably literate;
vii. He has a sound knowledge of the culture,
custom and tradition of Awka-Etiti,
viii. He possesses a reasonable moral courage and self-
discipline.
ix. His father is late and he owns a befitting Obi before
Initiation.
- A person is qualified to assume the office of Eze- Ana- Qualification for Eze
Awka if; Ana Awka
i. He is the eldest male and a direct descendant of Ezi Awka
ii. He is of a sound mind.
iii. He has sound knowledge of the culture and custom and
Tradition of Awka-Etiti.
- A person is qualified for election into the office of Ndindi if: Qualification For Ndidi
i. She is a female indigene of Awka-Etiti; married by
an Awka Etiti person.
ii. She has a sound knowledge of the culture, custom
and tradition of Awka-Etiti ;
iii. She possesses the ability for sound knowledge.
CHAPTER 4:
- VACATION OF TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION; Vacation of Obi
i. The office of the Obi shall be deemed vacant under
this constitution by any of the following
circumstances;
a. If the Obi dies.
b. If the Obi abdicates or retires from office under his
hands addressed to the council of Ichies and A.I.U
ii. The office of the Obi shall be vacant if;
a. He without any good cause and to the
embarrassment of the council of the Ichies and the
people of Awka-Etiti fails to perform the functions
of his office.
b. He is found felony by any court of
competent of jurisdiction in Nigeria or elsewhere in
the world.
c. He does or say anything which is found by the
Council of Ichies, Nze na Ozo heads and Eze-Ana
Awka to be.
i. Nso-Ana (abomination).
ii. A breach of his oath of office or code of
conduct.
d. Awka- Improvement Union Etiti possesses
abundant evidence that he no longer commands
the broad support of the whole of Awka-Etiti.
18. i. The office of the Ichie shall be deemed vacant Vacation of Ichie
Under this constitution in any of the following
Circumstances;
a. If the Ichie dies,
b. If he abdicates or retire from office under his hand
addressed to the Ichies and Executive of his ward,
ii. The office of the Ichie shall become vacant if;
(a) He without any good cause and to the
embarrassment of the council of the Ichies and the
people of his ward fails to perform the functions of
of his office.
(b) He is found guilty by felony of any court of
competent of jurisdiction in Nigeria or elsewhere
in the world.
(c) He does or say anything which is found by the
council of Ichies, Nze na Ozo heads and Eze-Ana
to be;
i. Nso-Ana (Abomination)
ii. A breach of his oath of office or code of
conduct.
(d) The executive of his ward comprising of the
kindred heads and also Ndi Isi Onu Ozo of the ward
possess abundant evident that he no longer
commands the broad support of his ward.
19. i. Where anybody holding the office of the Obi Removal Procedure for Obiship
is accused of offense under this constitution
he shall be deemed to be innocent until the A.I.U
finds him guilty of the offence.
ii. The A.I.U upon the receipt of any petition shall
summon an Emergency Meeting of the Central
Executive Committee and table the petition before
them if after deliberation 2/3 members
presents and agree that the petition has merit, then the
A.I.U shall be oblige to refer the petition
to the investigation panel. If on the contrary,
the petition lacks merit then the petition is
dismissed or dis-regarded.
iii. The A.I.U upon endorsing such petition shall set up
an investigation panel to investigate the complaints in such
petition and the report of the investigation thereafter handed
to the A.I.U.
iv. The panel of the investigation with respect to the Obi shall
be composed of;
(a) Three (3) representatives each from Nkolofia,
Umunocha, Ejighinandu, Iruowelle and Umudunu
villages and two (2) Representatives each from Nnaba
and Ogunzelle villages.
v. Where the investigation panel finds the Obi guilty
of the offense, the A.I.U central Executive Committee shall
immediately review the findings of the investigation
panel, and if the A.I. U also finds the accused Obi
guilty of the said offense the A.I.U Central
Executive Committee shall then summon an Emergency
General Meeting for ratification or otherwise. the
verdict of the general meeting shall be final. if the
Emergency General Meeting ratifies the removal of
the Obi then the A.I.U shall by notice to the Obi
advise him to vacate the office if not found guilty the
Obi is pronounced innocent provided that in all
cases the accused person is given a fair hearing.
vi. Where the office of the Obi becomes vacant
pursuant to the provisions of Sub-section (V) of this section,
the A.I.U shall forthwith by notice in
writing inform the council of Ichies, the Local Govt.
and the Govt. of Anambra state of such vacancy
and take necessary steps for the Obi to be
elected in accordance with the provisions of this
constitution provided that the said notice shall be
signed by the President General and the Secretary
of the A.I.U.
vii. The A.I.U shall recover the staff of the office and the
crown from the dethroned Obi and shall submit
same to the Eze-Ana Awka-Etiti within (30) days
from the date of the removal of the Obi.
20. i. Where any person holding the office of the Ichie
is accused of any offense under this constitution
he shall be deemed to be innocent until the Obi-in-
council finds him guilty of the offence.
ii. The Obi-in-Council upon the receipt of such petition
shall during their next schedule meeting call up
the petition for deliberation, if after deliberations,
2/3 of the members present endorse the petition, an
investigation panel shall be set up to investigate the
complaints in such petition and the report thereafter
handed over to the Obi-in-Council.
iii. With respect to the investigation of the Ichie, the
Obi-in-Council shall direct the ward from where the Ichie
hails and represents to set up the investigation panel.
The panel shall be made up of:
(a) The Executive Committee of the ward.
(b) The Ndi Isi Onu Ozo of the ward.
iv. Where the investigation panel finds the accused Ichie
guilty or not guilty of the offence, the Obi-in-Council
shall immediately review the findings of the panel and
if the Obi-in-Council also finds the accused person guilty
of the offence, the Obi-in-Council shall by notice to that
Ichie advise him to vacate his office.
Where upon his office shall from the date of the said
notice become vacant.
If on the contrary, the Obi-in-Council passes a verdict of not
guilty, and the ward concerned is not satisfied with the
verdict, the ward shall then request for the Obi-in-Council
to conduct a referendum to that effect in their ward within
six months , if the referendum confirms that the Ichie is
guilty then the verdict is final and is binding on the
Obi- in- Council.
v. On the same vein, if the Obi-in-Council originates and finds
an Ichie guilty of gross misconduct that will necessitate
his removal the ward that the Ichie represent shall be
informed in writing, if the ward disagrees with the verdict , a
referendum shall be conducted in the ward within 6 months and
the result of the referendum shall be final and binding on all.
vii. (a) Where office of the Ichie becomes vacant pursuant to the provisions
of Sub- section (iv) of this section, the Obi-in-Council shall forthwith
by notice in writing inform the ward of the deposed Ichie of such
vacancy and take necessary steps for a new Ichie to be elected in
accordance with the provisions of this constitution provided that
the said notice shall be signed by the Chairman and the
Secretary of the Obi-in-Council.
(b) Whenever the Obi shall travel out of the country or shall be Temporary absent of Obi
temporary absent from Awka-Etiti for more than one month
in succession for whatsoever reason, the Chairman of the
council of Ichies shall deputize for the Obi
CHAPTER 5:
ELECTION
- Whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of the Obi, the village whose Right to elect the Obi
turn it is to elect its indigene to be the new Obi shall elect a fit and
proper person to be the new Obi as provided in Sub-section7,8 and 13
of this constitution.
- i. The Awka-Etiti Improvement Union shall in all cases where there Date of election of
is a vacancy as provided in sections 17 and 19 of this constitution the Obi
publish the date for the election of the new Obi provided that the
said date shall not be;
ii. Earlier than 12 months but not later 18 months from the date of
the terminal ‘Igu-Aro’ of the deceased Obi.
iii. Later than 6 months from the date on which the incumbent Obi
for any other reason other than being deceased vacates
his office or is deemed to have vacated his office.
iv. On deciding on the date stated in Sub-Section (i) of this
section, due notice shall be taken of the cause of such
vacancy and the need to fill as soon as it is reasonably
practicable to elect and install another Obi.
23. i. In the event of the vacation of the Obi stool as per the Election of Obi
provisions of section 17 and 19 of this Constitution, it shall
be the responsibility of the village that possess the right to elect
an Obi as per the provisions of section 7 of this constitution
to elect a candidate for screening by the screening Committee.
ii. A candidate for the election to the Obiship, shall be deemed to
have dully elected if;
( a) Where he is the only candidate nominated i.e.
he was nominated unopposed.
(b) Where there are, more than one candidates, he
obtained a simple majority of the votes cast at an election.
iii. The candidate elected as specified in sub-section (iii) of
this section shall be presented to the screening committee
within one month from the date of notification
iv. Where the candidate presented to the screening Committee
fails to satisfy the eligibility requirement under section (13)
of this constitution, the Screening Committee shall require
the village concerned to re-elect and represent to the
screening committee another candidate between one month
and six months from the date of notification.
v. Where the village concerned fails to represent another
candidate as provided under sub-section (iv) of this
section, the right to the village to elect a candidate
shall elapse, and the next village in succession shall thereafter
possess the right to elect an Obi as per sub-section (i) of this
section.
(a) Where the candidates satisfies the eligibility
requirements, the screening committee shall present the elected
candidate to the Central Executive Committee of Awka-Etiti
Improvement Union for ratification.
(b) Where the Central Executive Committee of Awka-Etiti
Improvement Union for any reason, cultural, customary
or traditional, queries, or withholds the ratification, an
assembly of Awka-Etiti Improvement Union or an
Emergency General Meeting of A.I.U shall re-examine
the issues and their judgment shall be final.
vi. Where elected candidate receives ratification under sub-section (iv)
of this subsection, as a fit and proper person for the office of the Obi
of Awka-Etiti, he shall be deemed and referred to as the Obi-elect.
- i. The Obi elect shall be presented to the seven villages in Awka-Etiti
by the A.I.U and the Regent-in-Council in the order stated in
section (6) of this constitution. The Obi elect shall in the course
of presentation, present to each village the following traditional
gifts; one he-goat, seven kola-nuts, sixteen tubers of yam, four
gallons of palm wine, seven pieces of white chalk, two bottles of
gin and other materials as he deems fit.
ii. The Obi elect and the Regent-in-Council shall pay a courtesy call
on the head of Ana-Awka and present him with one he-goat, one
white fowl, seven kola-nuts, eight tubers of yam, seven pieces of
white chalk, four gallons of palm wine , and one bottle of dry gin,
at least seven days to the date of coronation.
25 i. In the event of the vacation of the office of an Ichie as per the Election of Ichie
provision of section (18) of the constitution, it shall be the
responsibility of the ward from where such vacancy occurred, to
elect an eligible candidate as per the provision of section (14) of
this constitution , and forward the name of the Ichie elect to
Obi-in-Council for screening
ii. Where the candidate fails in the screening, the ward that
presented such a candidate shall within one month represent
another candidate to the Obi-in-Council for fresh screening.
26 i. Pursuant to section 11 and 16 of this constitution, it shall be
the business of women in each ward to elect two women to
serve as Ndindi.
ii. Ndindi’s tenure of office shall be three years. An elected Ndindi
has the right to two consecutive tenures.
iii. The organization is empowered to co-opt former members for
reason of continuity and direction.
CHAPTER 6:
ELECTION OF TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS: Functions, Right and
27. (a) The Obi is the custodian of the customs and traditions of Priviledges of Obi
Awka-Etiti.
i. The Obi shall be accorded all due respect, honor
and dignity befitting the traditional head and the
premier citizen of Awka-Etiti.
ii. All functionaries or dignitaries visiting Awka-Etiti shall
first call on the Obi, and the logistic and financing of
the said call on the Obi shall be the responsibility of the
Awka-Etiti Improvement Union and the Obi were duly
informed.
iii. The Obi shall be exempted from all levies imposed by
Awka-Etiti Improvement Union, his village or any
institution or establishment in Awka-Etiti.
iv. He shall have the right to appoint three persons to the
council of Ichies.
v. The Obi shall confer honorary chieftaincy title on any
worthy person, after due consultation with the council
of Ichies and the honorary chieftaincy titles holders and
the names forwarded to Awka-Etiti Improvement Union approval.
(b) In addition of whatever power the Obi may have under any statute
or subsidiary legislation, his function shall include;
i. To reign as the traditional head of Awka-Etiti.
ii. To represent Awka-Etiti in any Government or public
function/ceremony to which representation by a
traditional ruler is provided for in invited.
iii. To uphold and protect this constitution, the customs and
traditions of Awka-Etiti.
iv. To encourage and promote community development
efforts of Awka-Etiti Improvement Union and the
various villages.
v. To assist in the maintenance of the law and order in
Awka-Etiti.
vi. To encourage the settlement of disputes in civil matters
amongst Awka-Etiti citizens.
vii. To use its best endeavor to promote peace, justice, unity
and harmony amongst the people of Awka-Etiti.
viii. To install and swear in the members of the council l of
Ichies in his palace.
ix. To summon and preside over the meeting of the
Obi-in-Council.
x. To carry out such other functions as the Obi-in-Council
may from time to time decide on subject, however, to
the provisions of this constitution.
xi. To serve as the Patron of Awka-Etiti Improvement Union
and such, is entitled, inter alia to a right of address, and
audience in the meetings of Awka-Etiti Improvement Union.
xii. To hear and adjudicate on any civil matter/disputes brought
before him, by any son(s) or group of persons, be it
Awka-Etiti indigenes or non-indigenes resident in Awka-Etiti
xiv. To give advice on traditional customary and civil matters.
28. The functions of the council of the Ichies shall be; Functions of the
i. To uphold and protect this constitution, the customs, culture Council of Ichies
and tradition of Awka-Etiti.
ii. To use the council’s best endeavors to promote peace, unity
and harmony amongst the people of Awka-Etiti.
iii. To assist in maintenance of law and order in the wards and
villages as well as Awka-Etiti in general.
iv. To attend the meeting of the Obi-in-Council and the council
of Ichies.
v. To render such assistance as may be reasonably required and
asked for by the screening and coronation committees.
vi. To monitor and review the customs and the traditions of
Awka-Etiti from time to time as regards to marriage, birth
ceremony, burial ceremony, mourning, conferment of
chieftaincy titles, widowhood, inheritance, divorce etc.
and make such modification as may be deemed necessary,
expedient or desirable and refer same to Awka-Etiti
Improvement Union for ratification and enactment.
vi. To hear and adjudicate on any civil matter/disputes brought
before them by any person(s) or group of persons, be he/her
or they Awka-Etiti indigenes or non-indigenes resident
in their wards.
viii. To give advice on traditional, customary and civil matters.
ix. To render advice to the Obi on the functions of their offices
and any other matters involving the traditional and
customary issues.
x. Assist the Obi in determining the date of the annual Iguaro
and Iwaji festival and also take all such reasonable steps as
to ensure the success and peaceful celebrations thereof.
29. The functions of Eze Ana Awka shall be; Functions of Eze-
- To manage, maintain and take responsibility for Ana-Awka and Ana- Awka
all activities and functions that shall take place thereon as
provided by this constitution and help to maintain and preserve
the custom, culture and tradition of Awka-Etiti.
- To advise the Obi-in-Council, Ndindi and the Awka-Etiti
Improvement Union on all traditional and customary matters.
- To uphold, protect and promote the custom, tradition and
culture of Awka-Etiti.
- To assist the Obi on all customary and traditional matters as
provided by the constitution.
- To crown the Obi elect with the assistance of Ndi Isi Nze Awka
and present him with staff of office.
- To receive and secure the crown and the staff of office as provided
by section 19(vii) of this constitution.
30. The functions of the Ndindi shall be; Functions Of Ndindi
a. To promote and protect the custom, culture and tradition of
Awka-Etiti.
b. To keep surveillance and to encourage the observance of our
custom, tradition, rules, norms, rites and discipline.
c. To listen and settle disputes bothering on marriages, marital and
family disputes, stray of animals, damages to crops and cash crops
but has no right to adjudicate on matters relating to land per-se.
d. To impose and collect fines levied on persons or groups fond of any
of the offences relating to matters mentioned above.
e. Any other matter as may be assigned to it by the A.I.U subject
to the provisions of this constitution.
CHAPTER 7:
CUSTOMARY FESTIVALS:
- i. The customary and social festivals in observance in Awka-Etiti are; Customary Festivals
a. Afa Olu festival
b. Sports (Egwuregwu) festival
c. Ikpo-ji festival
d. Iwa-ji festival
e. Cultural Dancing festival
f. Igu Aro festival
ii. It shall be right or duty of the individuals or group or village in Awka-Etiti,
which has been performing such traditional festivals to continue to
perform the aforementioned traditional festivals under this constitution.
- i. Afia-Olu is a traditional festival celebrated once every year to mark Afia-Olu Festival
the end of the year’s farming season.
ii. the ceremony marking the Afia-Olu festival commences on 30th
October every year and last for four days consecutively (nkwizu).
- i. The Ikpo-ji festival marks the commencement of the sale of new yam Ikpoji Festival
in Awka-Etiti and no person shall sell new yam in any market in
Awka-Etiti until the ceremony has been performed.
ii. The ceremony is performed when the designated family in Awka-Etiti
in the presence of Ndi Eze, Ndi Ichie and the generality of Awka-Etiti
citizens notionally sell the yam cultivated in Awka-Etiti on an Eke
market day preceding Iwa-Ji.
- i. The Igu-Aro is an annual ceremony marking the anniversary of the Igu-Aro
enthronement of the Obi Awka-Etiti.
ii. It shall be the duty of the Obi-in-Council to fix date and time for the
Igu-Aro.
iii. The Igu-Aro festival shall end with a visit to Ana-Awka by the
Obi-in-Council.
- i. The first Saturday in August of every year has been slated for the Iwa-Ji
marking the “ Iwa-Ji” festival in Awka-Etiti.
ii. The Obi-in-Council, the Eze-Ana Awka, the honorary chiefs and
representatives from the seven villages shall perform the
general Iwa-Ji ceremony in the Obi’s palace early in the morning,
thereafter the citizens of Awka-Etiti shall retire to their various
families for their Iwa-Ji festival.
- i. There shall be established for the whole of Awka-Etiti an annual Sports Festival
sports festival.
ii. Sports committee shall endeavor to establish not only the football
game but many other games like lawn and table tennis, jogging,
cycling, boxing, traditional wrestling and many others.
iii. All sports performed in Nigeria are hereby recognized and adopted
for participation by Awka-Etiti citizens.
iv. The sports committee shall organize competition for the various
sports established.
v. The Awka-Etiti Improvement Union with the advice of the sports
committee shall set prices to be won by the competitors.
vi. The Awka-Etiti Improvement Union shall encourage and sponsor
sporting activities in Awka-Etiti.
- There shall be established for the whole of Awka-Etiti cultural Cultural Dance Festival
dancing festival.
i. The Awka-Etiti Improvement Union shall fund the celebration
of cultural/dancing festival.
ii. The cultural/dancing festival shall be celebrated once every
three (3) years. it shall be the duty of the cultural committee
in consultation with Awka-Etiti Improvement Union to
proclaim the date for the festival which shall hold at Awka-Etiti
stadium or any other place designated by the Awka-Etiti
Improvement Union.
iii. The Awka-Etiti Improvement Union on the advice of the cultural
Committee shall establish an award to be given to the best three
participating male dancing group and three best female participating
dancing groups.
iv. The Obi-in-Council and the Awka-Etiti Improvement Union shall
encourage and sponsor the growth of Awka-Etiti culture.
CHAPTER 8:
TRADTIONAL TITLE:
i. Pursuant to the ancient custom and tradition of Awka-Etiti , the traditional Traditional Ozo Titles
Ozo titles in existence into which Awka-Etiti citizens have been and are still
being initiated into are;
- Ezisi
- Okpala
- Isi Okolo
- Ikolo
- Ozalla
- Ezeani
- Dunu
- Dim
- Ume
- Dalla
ii. The Council of Eze na Ozo Awka-Etiti or Omo Ora shall determine
“Ego Ozo” and review same when the need arises
iii. Omo-Ora Nze na Ozo Awka-Etiti has the final say on all matters
concerning Nze na Ozo in Awka-Etiti.
iv. The female traditional titles such as;
a. Igba Odu and
b. Agba Ekwe
are hereby recognized and re-established.
CHAPTER 9: COMMITTEES
- i. There shall be a purposes of verifying the qualification and Screening Committee
eligibility of any candidate to be elected the Obi of Awka-Etiti
established a committee to be known as Obi elect screening
committee hereafter referred to as ( “The Screening Committee”)
ii. The screening committee shall be constituted within one month from Date
the date of the election of the Obi elect.
iii. The screening committee shall be composed of ; a representative of Membership
Ezioka family, three representative each from Nkolofia, Umunocha
Ejighinandu, Iruowelle and Umudunu village s respectively and two
respectively from Nnaba and Ogunzelle villages, three representatives
from Council of Ozo title holders.(i.e. Onye Isi Nze of each village).
iv. The lists of the representative shall be forwarded to the President Inauguration
General of Awka-Etiti Improvement Union, The Chairman of the
Council of Ichies and the council of Ozo title holders. The President
General shall convene the inaugural within two weeks of the receipt
of the list of the representatives.
After receiving the members of the screening committee, convening their
first meeting and inaugurating them, the President General ceases to
be a member of the committee.
v. The screening committee shall elect its Chairman and Secretary. Qualification
vi. A person shall be eligible for election into the screening committee
if he possesses the following qualifications;
a. Must be an indigene of Awka-Etiti with an honorable and distinguished
ancestral history.
b. Must be of a sound mind.
c. Must have not been convicted of any criminal offence by any court of
competent or jurisdiction in Nigeria or elsewhere in the world.
d. Must possess a strong moral character.
e. Must be patriotic and peace loving.
vii. The committee meeting shall be deemed to have formed a
quorum when at least a member from each of the villages, the
Regent-in-Council and council of Ozo title holders are present
and it shall be carried out by the votes of at least 2/3 majority
of the members present during voting.
viii. The screening Committee shall perform the following functions;
a. To receive and examine all certificates claimed and submitted
to it as a proof of Obi elect’s educational qualification.
b. Probe as to genuineness and the authenticity of the certificate
so submitted.
c. Trace the genealogy, history and social antecedent of the Obi
elect.
d. To examine the candidate’s strength of character and temperament.
e. Test of the Obi elect’s knowledge of the custom, tradition and the
history of Awka-Etiti.
f. Without prejudice of the normal functions of officers of a committee,
it shall be the duty of the secretary of the screening committee in
consultation with the Chairman to communicate the decision of the
committee to the Regent-in-Council, Awka-Etiti Improvement Union
and other appropriate body(s) stipulated by the constitution.
- i. There shall be for the purpose of the coronation of the Obi elect,
established an Obi coronation committee (hereinafter referred to as
coronation Committee).
ii. The coronation committee shall comprise the Executive Committee of
Awka-Etiti Improvement Union, one representative from each village,
Eze-Ana- Awka and Onye-Isi-Nze of each of the seven villages.
The election of the representatives by each village shall by
simple majority if not unanimously elected. The Committee
shall be free to co-opt the members.
iii. It shall be the duty of the President General to receive the
the representatives(s) from each village and convene and
preside over meetings of coronation committee:
a. The inaugural meeting of the coronation committee shall be Inauguration
convene within one month from the date the Screening
Community submitted its result to the Awka-Etiti
Improvement Union.
b. The Awka-Etiti Improvement Union Secretary shall be the
secretary of the Coronation Committee.
c. The Coronation Committee shall communicate the decisions
of the committee to Awka-Etiti Improvement Union,
the Obi-in-Council and other appropriate body(s) as stipulated
in this constitution.
iv. A person shall be eligible for election into the Coronation Eligibility for Membership
Committee if he possesses the following qualifications;
a. An indigene of Awka-Etiti with an honorable ancestral
history.
b. Must not have been convicted of any criminal offence by any
court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria or elsewhere in
the world.
- A track record of undisputable moral rectitude.
- Must be patriotic and peace loving.
Must be of a sound mind.
v. The coronation committee shall perform the following functions: Functions of coronatio committee
a. Suggest to the Awka-Etiti Improvement Union the date for
the coronation and notify the people of Awka-Etiti as to the
decision through Town criers, posters, mass media and any
available medium.
b. Take responsibility for all activities regarding the coronation,
invitation, protocol, security, gifts, entertainment and any
other thing the committee deems necessary for a successful
outing.
c. Notify the state and the Local Government accordingly.
d. The coronation per-se shall comprise of:
1. The crowning of the Obi elect by the Eze-Ana-Awka
and assisted by seven Isi Nze from the seven villages
of Awka-Etiti.
2. Presentation of the traditional staff of office to the Obi
elect by the Eze-Ana Awka.
3. The administration of oath of office on the Obi elect
by the Legal Adviser to Awka-Etiti Improvement Union
as specified in schedule one of the constitution.
4. The subscription of the Obi elect to the Customary code
of conduct before the Legal Adviser as specified in
schedule 2 of the constitution.
vi. The coronation committee shall present a coronation budget to
the A.I.U General Meeting for their approval.
vii. The coronation committee shall stand dissolved as soon as the
Committee renders account of its services to the Awka-Etiti
Improvement Union which shall be not later than 30 days after
the coronation.
a. The venue for the crowning shall be at Ana- Awka
b. The venue for coronation committee shall be
Awka-Etiti Town Hall.
PART II
AWKA-ETITI IMPROVEMENT UNION
The name of the organization shall be Awka-Etiti Improvement Name
Union (A.I.U) (hereinafter referred to “the Union” ).
The Headquarters of the Union shall be at the Awka-Etiti Town Head Office
Hall, Awka-Etiti.
The motto of the Union shall be peace, unity and progress Motto
There shall be a common seal for the Union. Common Seal
The Aims and Objectives of the Union are as follows: Aims and objectives
(1). To ensure peace, foster and promote unity and understanding
in Awka-Etiti.
(2) To promote and pursue various development projects that will be
beneficial to the entire community and Anambra State in general.
(3) To raise funds to execute various useful projects in Awka-Etiti
(4) To promote peace and harmony and awaken the citizens to their
civic responsibilities.
(5) To encourage the formation of age grades, unions/associations or
clubs whose aims and objectives are geared towards facilitating
the realization of the aspirations and objectives of the Union.
(6) To encourage good neighborliness with nearby towns.
(7) To educate the people and to legislate against wasteful and
ostentatious lifestyle and ceremonies.
(8) To create an enabling environment and legislation for promotion
of industrial, commercial and economic activities in Awka-Etiti.
(9) To provide adequate security for the lives and property of all
Awka-Etiti citizens and other persons resident in Awka-Etiti.
(10) To eradicate all forms of discrimination, oppression and injustice,
whether aimed at individuals, groups or communities within
Awka-Etiti.
(11) To encourage the development of sound morals and educate
and de-emphasize the early pursuit of materialism.
(12) To do all such other things as are incidental or directed towards
the attainment of the above objectives or any of them.
- The functions of the Awka-Etiti Improvement Union includes: Functions
(1) To disseminate ideas and provide a platform for articulating,
formulating and actualizing popular opinions and ideas.
(2) To execute various useful development projects in conjunction
with other bodies and individuals in Awka-Etiti.
(3) To hold general meetings to all villages and branches of Union
and other affiliated bodies shall be represented.
(4) To ratify all appointments or removal of the Union Office holders.
(5) To deal with requests and petitions from individuals, wards,
villages, branches and other bodies.
(6) The decisions of the A.I.U. on matters referred to it for
determination shall be final provided that such matters are civil
matters and before any court of competent Jurisdiction in Nigeria.
- (1) Membership of the Union shall open to all Awka-Etiti male Membership
indigenes.
(2) it shall be the responsibility of each village in Awka-Etiti to keep
an up-to-date register of all male persons of 18 years of age
and above and to submit such register to the Secretary General
of the Union. Such registers are to be up-dated annually on or
before 31st December.
(3) Membership is mandatory on attainment of age of 18 years
(4) Any village that fails to comply with this mandatory provision or
submits an accurate or incomplete list shall be punished by the
Central Executive Committee.
(5) The Central Executive Committee is hereby empowered to fix
annual dues to be subscribed to by members and to review
same from to time.
(6) it shall be the responsibility of each village to pay the Treasurer
through the Financial Secretary the sum total of the subscriptions
collected in that village.
(7) If any member fails to pay the annual dues, he shall be made to
pay twice the amount of the dues in the General meeting next.
(8) Any village that violates sub-section (4) of this section shall be
guilty of offence and on full of such an offence shall pay a penalty
subject to review from time to time as shall be provided for in
the Bye-laws.
- There shall be four types of meeting: Meetings
a. Annual General Meeting.
b. Emergency General Meeting.
c. Central Executive Meeting.
d. Executive Meeting.
49. (1) The Union shall hold two general meetings one on the last General Meetings
Saturday of April and the other on October every year.
(2) The general meetings shall in additions to matters that be
included in agenda by the Central Executive Committee,
deal with other businesses;
i. To receive the President General’s Annual report and Audit
Account for the year ending 31st March.
ii. to receive, debate, amend, reject or approve the yearly budget
and program of activities or projects billed for execution in
the year.
iii. Review, confirm, alter or rescind any decision of the
Central Executive Committee by simple majority votes
of participating members present.
iv. Hear and determine petitions from individual or group
of persons or institutions and also consider all resolutions/
motions which shall be forwarded to the Secretary
General at least 21 days before the General meeting.
- (1) Members authorized to attend and participate at the General
Meeting are;
i. Members of Central Executive committee Participation
ii Accredited representatives of the villages , Members
iii. Branches and Development Committee.
(2) For clarity, the following persons are authorized to attend and
participate at the General Meetings;
i. All members of the Central Executive.
ii. Three to seven representatives from all the branch Unions.
iii. Eight representatives each from Nkolofia, Umunocha,
Ejighinandu, Iruowelle, and Umudunu villages respectively
and four from Nnaba and Ogunzelle villages respectively.
iv. Seven Representatives from the Development Committee.
v. The president General in consultation with the Executive
Committee may invite not more than 14 persons from the
whole of Awka-Etiti that he deems that their presence is
necessary and vital.
vi. Five representatives from the Obi-in-Council.
vii. Two representatives from Ozo title holders.
viii. Two representatives from Ndindi.
ix. Four representatives from the National Association of
Awka-Etiti undergraduates and four from the youth.
(3) The Obi-in company of some of the members of the traditional
Council may attend the opening sessions of the General
Meetings and present an address on any topical issue.
- The Quorum at the General meetings shall be 30 participating Quorum
delegates.
- 1. The Secretary General on the instruction of the President Emergency/General Meeting
General shall summon emergency general meetings of the
Unions, when in the opinion of President General and Executive
Committee, there is a dire need for such an emergency general
meeting, pursuant to this, the Secretary-General shall ensure
that a notice of not less than seven clear days is issued to that
effect. the notice shall indicate the agenda for such a meeting.
- Where the need for an Emergency General Meeting arises and
the President General neglects or refuses to instruct the
summoning of such meeting, the Executive Committee members
on a vote of a simple majority shall instruct the Secretary General
in writing to summon the Emergency General Meeting; giving
seven clear days’ notice and indicating the agenda for the meeting.
- 1. There shall established a body to be known as the CENTRAL Central Executive Committee
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE which shall be made up of the Executive
Committee of the Union, the Chairman and the Secretary of the
seven villages associations and the chairman and the secretary of
the branch unions or their nominees and the Chairman and the
secretary of the Obi-in-Council.
- The Central Executive Committee meeting shall be held at least
three times every year, but nothing in
this constitution shall prevent the Central Executive Committee
from meeting as often as it considers necessary and expedient,
for efficient functioning of the Union.
- The Central Executive Committee meeting shall in addition to
matters that may be included in the agenda by the Secretary
General deal with the following business:
(1) To source fund through all legitimate means including calling
for donations.
(2) Annual dues to be subscribed to by members and to review
same from to time to time.
(3) To take decisions on matters brought before it by the President
General and the Executive Committee.
(4) To authorize of expenditure of the Union’s funds above
₦100,000.00.
(5) Make broad policies and guidelines for the administration of
Awka-Etiti
(6) Treat any other matter as may be brought before by the
President General.
- (1) There be shall established a body to be known as EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE, which shall comprise all the officers of the Union
elected or appointed.
(2) The Executive Committee meeting shall in addition to the matters
that may be included in the agenda by the Secretary General deal
with the following businesses:
i. Manage a trustees the funds and properties of Awka-Etiti
community.
ii. Manage the day to day affairs of Awka-Etiti be it administrative,
governmental, developmental, educational, literary, sporting,
charitable, social or otherwise, provided such actions are referred
to the Central Executive Committee and general meetings
for ratification.
(3) The Executive Committee is empowered to hold meetings as
many times as the need for such meetings arises.
ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICES AND FUNCTIONS:
- There shall be established for the management of the Establishment of Offices
affairs for the union the following offices:
- President General
- Vice President General.
- Secretary General.
- Assistant Secretary General.
- Financial Secretary.
- Treasurer.
- Publicity Secretary.
- Provost I & II.
- Legal Adviser.
- External Auditors.
QUALIFICATIONS/FUNCTIONS:
57. The President General in addition to his functions as the President shall: President General
i. Be reasonably literate and knowledgeable of proven
integrity and endowed with the qualities of good
leadership and shall not belong to any cult or any
secret society.
ii. Be the chief Executive of the administration of Awka-Etiti
and preside over all meetings of the Union.
iii. Conduct all meeting of the Union in such a manner as to
to achieve maximum result.
iv. Sign all minutes of meetings when approved.
v. Be the principal signatory to the Union’s account.
vi. Liaise with the Obi-in-Council in all matters of common
interest.
vii. Be accountable for Awka-Etiti citizenry within and outside
Awka-Etiti.
- He shall have the qualities and the qualifications of the Vice President Genera
President General and shall assist the President General in the
performance of his duties and functions and deputize for him
in his absence and carry out any other duty that may be assigned
to him by the President General.
- The Secretary General in addition to his known functions shall: Secretary General
(1) Be the chief scribe of the Union and shall perform any
other functions that may be assigned to him by the
President General from time to time.
(2) Superintend the administration of the secretariat.
- The Assistant Secretary General in addition to his known functions shall: Assistant Secretary
(1) Assist the Secretary General in his duties. General
(2) Act for the secretary general in his absence and shall
perform all such other duties as may be assigned to him
by the President General and or Secretary General.
- The Financial Secretary in addition to his known functions shall: Financial Secretary
(1) Maintain proper books of account of all the monies of the
Union, collect all fines and levies and pay them over to the
Treasurer within 48 hours.
(2) Keep the books of account of the Union in safe and secure
custody in the secretariat and issue a receipt for every sum
of money received on behalf of the Union.
(3) Prepare and sign payment vouchers after the President
General’s approval.
(4) Be a signatory to the Union’s bank account.
- The Treasurer in addition to his known functions shall: Treasurer
(1) Receive all the monies due to the Union and issue receipt
for same.
(2) Pay into the Union’s bank account(s) all monies received
within 48 hours exclusive of non-working days.
(3) Be a signatory to all the Union’s bank account and pay in
and withdraw money from Union’s bank account.
(4) Liaise closely with the President General and the Financial
Secretary to ensure prudent management of the Union’s
funds.
- The publicity secretary in addition to his known functions shall Publicity Secretary
publicize the Union and its activities and assist the President
General to issue such press releases as may be beneficial to the
Union and its members.
- The Provost in addition to his known functions shall keep order Provosts
during all meeting and carry out any other duties as may be
assigned by the President General.
- The Legal Adviser in addition to his known functions shall: Legal Advisers
(1) act as an adviser in any legal matter in which the Union
is involved.
(2) advise the president general on the Union’s constitution
rules and procedures of meetings and any other matter
requiring legal opinion.
The president general shall appoint the Legal Adviser in consultation
with the executive committee.
- The External Auditor(s) Shall: Auditors
(1) Audit the books of the Financial Secretary and the Treasurer.
(2) prepare and submit audited accounts of the Union to the April
general meeting of the A.I.U.
(3) Assist in the preparation of annual budget.
- The general assembly shall appoint the external auditor during Appointment/Offices
the October General Meeting and approve his stipend where
applicable.
- (1) The table for the said rotation of offices amongst the villages Rotation of offices
in Awka-Etiti is as shown in schedule eleven of this
constitution.
(2) Without prejudice to the provision of sub- section (1) of this
section the President General and the Obi must not come from
the same village at any given time. where the office of the
President General falls on the village holding the Obiship , that
village automatically relinquishes the office of the President
General to the village in succession, while it holds the Obiship.
The village forfeiting the office of the President General
Ipso-facto shall take it up after it has gone round the villages and
gotten to it again, if they do not still hold the Obiship stool, in other
words the village that is in possession of the Obiship stool shall not
be in possession of the President General in the life-time of the Obi.
(3) i. Pursuant to the agreement reached in the terms of Resolution of
Awka-Etiti Community chieftaincy conflicts, the rotation as provided
in schedule eleven of this constitution shall run uninterruptedly for
a period 21 years during which time all the villages shall occupied all
the offices for one tenure of three years each.
ii. The method of rotation as provided in sub-section(1) of this section
is hereby adopted as the method of rotation, but it may be reviewed
after the year 2020.
- (i) All Officers of the Union as enumerated in section 56 of this Election Of Officers
constitution shall be elected in accordance with the agreement
reached in terms of Resolution of Awka-Etiti Chieftaincy Conflict.
every village shall nominate three literate and knowledgeable
candidates for the office which is entitled to hold for the town
assembly to vote for.
- (1) The General Election shall be conducted on the Friday proceeding Date for General
the New Yam Festival. Election/Swearing in
(2) The offices elected shall be sworn on the date of the General
Meeting post their election.
- (1) An elected officer found guilty of misappropriation or embezzlement Removal of Officers
of Union’s fund shall be removed and the village that nominated the
said officer shall nominate alternatives names and send to the Central
Executive Committee for election.
The Union shall take appropriate steps , including legal actions to
recover the sum(s) of money so embezzled or misappropriated.
(2) Any elected Officer found to be incompetent, fraudulent, or guilty
of gross misconduct shall be removed as provided in sub-section (1)
of this section.
- (1) Where for any reason whatsoever the President General shall Replacement of
is incapacitated or removed in accordance with the provisions Officers
of section 71 of this constitution or becomes deceased, the village
that produced the President General shall within one month or
thereabout submit the names of three nominees to the Central
Executive Committee for election.
(2) The Vice President General shall act as the President General
before the election of the new President General.
(3) Where for any reason whatsoever any of the officers of the
Union is incapacitated or removed in accordance with the
provisions of section 71 of this constitution or becomes deceased,
the office of the said officer shall be filled in the same manner as
in sub-section (1) of this section.
- (1) Awka-Etiti citizens resident in various urban centers are hereby Establishment of Branches
empowered to organize themselves into branches of the Union
provided that;
i. They are up to ten in number.
ii. The branch must have existed for upwards of six months
and have elected officers before they can apply for recognition
to the Central Executive Committee.
iii. the Central Executive Committee shall forward the name of the
branch so recognized to the General meeting for ratification.
- (1) There shall be established for the whole of Awka-Etiti a Establishment of Development
Development Committee. The Committee’s membership Committee
shall be made up of patriotic Awka-Etiti professionals,
captains of commerce and industries top civil/public
servants and public office holders, any other person the
Central Executive Committee will deem fit for inclusion.
(2) The central Committee shall nominate its initial members inform them
of their nomination and inaugurate them. The Development Committee
is empowered to increase its membership by fishing out Awka-Etiti
citizens with various potentials required for the development of
Awka-Etiti
(3) The image and personality of Awka-Etiti shall be personified in the
Committee.
- (1) The Awka-Etiti development Committee shall and harness the material Functions of Development
and financial resources of Awka-Etiti with a view to synthesizing same Committee
into physical infrastructural projects, and human resources bank.
(2) Locate and fight for the right and interests of Awka-Etiti citizens at
Local, State, and Federal Government levels.
(3) responsible for the development, mobilization and placement of our
human resources.
- (1) There shall be established for the whole of Awka-Etiti an Education
Board, with members drawn from among academics, Professionals, the Clergy,
Philanthropist, top civil/public servants and the retired
but healthy officers.
(2) The Central Executive committee shall nominate its initial
member, inform them of their nomination and inaugurate
them. The Education Board Members shall be increased by
fishing out Awka-Etiti citizens with various potentials
required for the development of Education in Awka-Etiti.
- The Functions of the Education Board shall inter-alia include: Functions of Education board
1 To inculcate discipline, high standards of moral and
academic performance in our students and schools.
2 To ensure that grants and equipment distributed to
schools are actually received and properly utilized.
3 To inspect the school from time to time to ensure that
school buildings and equipment are well taken care of
and that the school is operating on a competitive
academic standard.
4 To encourage Awka-Etiti philanthropist, social clubs, age
grades, villages and successful l individuals as well as
religious organization to award scholarships to our
deserved sons and daughters.
5 To meet with school authorities from time to time to
evaluate their performance, know their problems,
solve same when it falls within their authority or schedule
or render a useful advice.
6 To make regular contacts with the Local, State and Federal
Government with a view to attracting educational institutions
and equipment and the placement of Awka-Etiti elite in the
positions in the Government.
- 1. The union is empowered to establish both ad-hoc and standing Establishment Of Committees
committee to handle specific assignment when the need arises.
2. Notwithstanding the provision of sub-section (1) of this section
of Awka-Etiti Improvement Union Shall establish as a matter of
duty the following committee;
i. Works Committee
ii. Vigilante Committee
iii. Health and Environmental Committee
iv. Judicial Committee
v. Market Committee
vi. Special Duty Committee
- The Union and the branches are empowered by this constitution Bye-laws
to make bye-laws in accordance with this constitution, provided
that in the event of conflicts between the bye-laws made the
Union and the constitution, the Constitution shall prevail.
- There shall be established a secretariat in Awka-Etiti Town Hall , Establishment of the Secretariat
for the administration of Awka-Etiti . The secretariat inter alia
shall house all the records for administration of Awka-Etiti.
- The committee is empowered to employ the following staff to Staff
manage the Secretariat;
- Administrative Secretary
- Clerical Officers
- Typists
- Messengers
- Security Men
- And any other staff
- (1) There shall be established for the whole of Awka-Etiti Establishment of
a body for the administration of women. This body shall A.I.U Women Wing
be known as A.I.U Women Wing.
(2) Membership of the body is mandatory on all women
married in Awka-Etiti.
(3) The establishment, offices and rotation of offices, functions
and elections shall be same as that of Awka-Etiti
Improvement Union and shall be ruled by this constitution.
(4) The body shall completely subordinate to Awka-Etiti
Improvement Union.
- (1) All monies belonging to the Union shall be paid into Awka- Bank Accounts
Etiti Improvement Union bank Account(s) and the signatories
to the Bank Account(s) shall be the President General , the
Financial Secretary and the Treasurer.
(2) Provided that any withdrawal in the said account(s) shall be
executed by the President General and any one of the other
two Signatories.
- When an amendment is required to be made to this constitution Amendments
or any of its provisions;
(1) The motion for the proposed amendment shall be carried by 2/3
majority of the votes of the full house of the General meeting
present and voting in the General meeting next after the notion
been moved.
(2) The amendment shall not take effect until it has been approved:
i. By the votes of 2/3 of the members of the Union at the
general meeting next following the general meeting in which
the motion for the amendment was moved; and
ii. By the Executive Committee of at least six villages.
- The Awka-Etiti Improvement Union shall have the right: Power to Enter Land
a. To enter any community/village land to the purpose of
erecting, maintain or inspecting any installation belonging
to Awka-Etiti Improvement Union or for repairing, altering
or removing any such installation or to remain there for
such reasonable time and execute and do all such works
as may be necessary for the purposes of this constitution and;
b. Any entry into the community/village land by any
group/section must receive the assent of Awka-Etiti
Improvement Union.
- a. Subject to the provision of this section before entering Notice of Entry on Land
into any land for the purposes set out in section 85 of this
constitution, the Union shall give to the occupier(s) of the
the land, notice of its intention so to do.
b. In exercise of the power conferred by this constitution, the
Awka-Etiti Improvement Union shall use its best endeavors
to minimize loss and shall negotiate and pay an acceptable
compensation.
- i. For the purpose of signifying assent to this constitution by the entire people Assent
of Awka-Etiti, this constitution shall be signed by all the Chairman and
Secretaries of the seven villages, the President General and the Secretary
General of Awka-Etiti Improvement Union, two representatives of the
Council of Ichies, Eze Ana Awka and Onye Isi Nze.
ii. This Constitution becomes effective and operational when 2/3 of the above
signatories assent to it in the schedule provided.
- This constitution may be cited as the Constitution of Awka-Etiti 2004. Citations
TERMS OF RESOLUTION
The terms of resolution made this 5th day of April 1999 by the entire
people of Awka-Etiti community.
WHEREAS:
- Following the series of meeting of the sixty-man Committee
Constituted by the Anambra State Government and wide range
consultations initiated by the Awka-Etiti Improvement Union
(A.I.U) and some well-meaning indigenes of Awka-Etiti.
- The said Awka-Etiti Improvement Union and well-meaning
indigenes of Awka-Etiti have agreed to forget the past, and
Forge ahead as one undivided community in mind.
- The said Awka-Etiti Improvement Union and well-meaning
indigenes are desirous to create an enabling environment of
mutual trust, confidence, respect for one another so as to
allow peace and progress to reign!
THIS HEREBY RESOLVED, AGREED AND DECLARED:
- That the Obiship Awka-Etiti is rotational and is to remain rotational among
the seven villages of Awka-Etiti namely: Nkolofia, Umunocha, Ejighinandu,
Iruowelle, Umudunu, Nnaba and Ogunzelle with Nkolofia serving first
according to seniority after the reign of the incumbent Traditional Ruler,
Igwe, S.O.C Ezenwa II.
- The Traditional Ruler Igwe S.O.C Ezenwa II, remains Igwe S.O.C Ezenwa II
(The second) but this does not contradict section (1) above as he is the first
elected Obi of Awka-Etiti.
- The matter of alleged assassination of the late Justice Lawrence Anoliefo has
been finally put to the rest of the following; the religious and traditional
nine-man oath (Iyi madu iteghete) sworn to Igwe S.O.C Ezenwa II and all the
rites observed. Igwe S.O.C Ezenwa II has thereby been exonerated from the
allegation.
(4) That this resolution / AGREEMENT DECLARATION represents all documents
on sections (1)-(3) above filed to Government offices before this 5th day of
April, 1999, there by rendering such documents null and void and of no
effect whatsoever after the execution of this resolution/AGREEMENT/
DECLARATION.
(5) The Presidency of the A.I.U is rotational amongst the seven villages with
Nkolofia serving first in the next executive, according to the seniority as
contained in section (1), The village to produce the President will nominate
three eligible, knowledgeable candidates for the town assembly to vote for.
Thereafter all the other executive offices will be filled by the remaining six
villages by popular vote in the same vein with no one village holding the
same office until it has gone round.
(6) WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO SECTION (5) ABOVE, the Presidency and the Obiship
must not come from the same village at any one time. Where the Obiship
falls on the village having the incumbent President of the A.I.U, that village
automatically relinquishes the Presidency of the A.I.U to the next village, while
it holds the Obiship stool. the village forfeiting the Presidency ipso-facto,
should take it up after it has gone round and gotten to them again if they do
not still hold the Obiship.
(7) That the Awka-Etiti community shall however through the Awka-Etiti
Improvement Union feel free to review sections 5 & 6 after 21 years during
which time all the villages shall have occupied all the offices for one tenure of
three (3) years each.
(8) That all existing Ichies will remain in office while vacant position swill be filled
appropriately by the villages or kindred concerned.
(9) That the contents of this RESOLUTION/AGREEMENT/DECLARATION shall
where ever applicable be reflected in Awka-Etiti chieftaincy constitution and
the A.I.U constitution.
(10) That the conferment of the Traditional Chieftaincy titles on Awka-Etiti
indigenes will be first screened by the Obi-in-Council and the selected
names forwarded to Awka-Etiti Improvement Union for its
recommendation. The names are then returned to the Obi-in-Council
for endorsement and investiture.
(11) Finally, we the people of Awka-Etiti heartily accept all the terms of this
resolution in good faith believing that this will bring to an end
protracted crisis that had beleaguered this community for twelve years
and as well usher in a new era of development and progress s in our
beloved town Awka-Etiti.
WITNESS: whereof the parties on behalf of themselves and community/
union hereto set their respective hands and the day and year in this
Agreement first above mentioned.
SCHEDULE ONE
OATH OF OFFICE OBI OF AWKA-ETITI
I, ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Having been elected Obi of AWKA-ETITI DO HEREBY swear that I will
- Uphold and observe the constitution of the people of Awka-Etiti 2004 and the
customs and the traditions in force in Awka-Etiti.
- Honestly and Faithfully discharge the functions of my office, use my best endeavors
to promote peace and harmony, justice and equality, goodwill and co-operation
amongst the people of Awka-Etiti.
- Conform to the Code of Conduct prescribed for my office, eschew bitterness and not
allow any personal or sectional interest to influence the discharge of the functions of
my office.
So help me God .
-----------------------------------
DECLARANT
Sworn before me this ---------------------------------DAY OF ----------------------------------- YEAR----------------------------------
----------------------------------------
LEGAL ADVISER
SCHEDULE TWO
CUSTOMARY CODE OF CONDUCT FRO OBI OF AWKA-ETITI
In accordance with the requirements of the TRADITOINAL RULERS LAW, 1981, the Awka-Etiti community has
hereunder set out the Code of Conduct, which shall be observed by the traditional ruler ofAwka-Etiti Town as follows;
- The Obi of Awka-Etiti , like any other Awka-Etiti citizens, shall be subject to the laws, customs and
Traditions of Awka-Etiti people, unless otherwise provided in this constitution and shall not
temper with them or try to change them, but shall at all times uphold them and protect them.
- The Obi shall maintain an open-door policy for persons, hear and adjudicate on civil matters
voluntarily brought before him, but shall not order the arrest of anyone or impose restrictions or
sanctions not provided for in this constitution or any other law operational in Awka-Etiti.
- The Obi of Awka-Etiti shall guide jealously the custom and tradition of Awka-Etiti people.
- The Obi of Awka-Etiti shall have no right over the communal/personal property and family rights
of the Awka-Etiti people.
- In any gathering in Awka-Etiti town in which the Obi of Awka-Etiti is present, and kola-nuts is
presented, the first kola-nut shall be presented to the Obi and the second kola-nut to the Onye-Isi-
Ana Awka provided that the Onye-Isi-Ana Awka shall be the first to break the kola-nuts.
- The Obi of Awka-Etiti shall insulate himself from all political activities, and must be partisan, in all
controversial matter, which concerns Awka-Etiti Community, or sections of Awka-Etiti community,
he shall remain impartial/neutral.
- The Obi must be any member of any secret society or cult.
- In matters of religion, the Obi of Awka-Etiti, shall no denominational bias but shall counsel
and patronize all religious bodies, Awka-Etiti town, provided that such bodies respect the
tradition and customary beliefs of the Awka-Etiti people and maintains peace within the
community.
SCHEDULE FIVE
OATH OF OFFICE FOR AN ICHIE
I, ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Having been elected……………………………………………of……………………………………………………………
hereby swear that I will
- Uphold and observe the constitution of the people of Awka-Etiti 2004 and the
customs and traditions in force in Awka-Etiti.
- Honestly and Faithfully discharge the functions of my office, use my best endeavors
to promote peace and harmony, justice and equality, goodwill and cooperation
amongst the people of Awka-Etiti.
- Conform to the Code of Conduct prescribed for my office, eschew bitterness and not
allow any personal or sectional interest to influence the discharge of the functions of
my office.
So help me God.
________________________________
DECLARANT
Sworn before me this ---------------------------------DAY OF ----------------------------------- YEAR----------------------------------
________________________________
LEGAL ADVISER
SCHEDULE THREE
OATH OF OFFICE OF REGENT OF AWKA-ETITI
I, ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Having been elected Regent of AWKA-ETITI DO HEREBY swear that I will,
- Uphold and observe the constitution of the people of Awka-Etiti 2004 and the customs at
traditions in force in Awka-Etiti.
2. Honestly and faithfully discharge the functions of my office, use my best endeavors
to promote peace and harmony, justice and equality, goodwill and cooperation
amongst the people of Awka-Etiti.
3. Conform to the Code of Conduct prescribed for my office, eschew bitterness and not
allow any personal or sectional interest to influence the discharge of the functions of
my office.
So help me God.
___________________________________
DECLARANT
Sworn before me this ---------------------------------DAY OF ----------------------------------- YEAR----------------------------------
----------------------------------------
LEGAL ADVISER.
SCHEDULE FOUR
CUSTOMARY CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE REGENT OF AWKA-ETITI
In accordance with the requirements of the TRADITOINAL RULERS LAW, 1981, the Awka-Etiti community has hereunder set out the Code of Conduct, which shall be observed by the Traditional ruler of Awka-Etiti Town as follows;
- The Regent of Awka-Etiti , like any other Awka-Etiti citizens, shall be subject to the laws,
and Traditions of Awka-Etiti people, unless otherwise provided in this constitution and shall
not temper with them or try to change them, but shall at all times uphold them and protect them.
- The Regent shall maintain an open-door policy for persons, hear and adjudicate on civil matters
voluntarily brought before him, but shall not order the arrest of anyone or impose restrictions or
sanctions not provided for in this constitution or any other law operational in Awka-Etiti.
- The Regent of Awka-Etiti shall guide jealously the custom and tradition of Awka-Etiti people.
4. The Regent of Awka-Etiti shall have no right over the communal/personal property and family
rights of the Awka-Etiti people.
- In any gathering in Awka-Etiti town in which the Regent of Awka-Etiti is present and kola-nuts is
presented, the first kola-nut shall be presented to the Regent and the second kola-nut to the
Onye-isi- Ana Awka provided that the Onye-Isi-Ana Awka shall be the first to break the kola-nuts.
6. The Regent of Awka-Etiti shall insulate himself from all political activities, and must be
Partisan, in all controversial matter, which concerns Awka-Etiti Community, or sections of Awka-
Etiti community, he shall remain impartial/neutral.
- The Regent must be any member of any secret society or cult.
- In matters of religion, the Regent of Awka-Etiti, shall no denominational bias but shall counsel
and patronize all religious bodies, Awka-Etiti town, provided that such bodies respect the
tradition and customary beliefs of the Awka-Etiti people and maintains peace within the
community.
SCHEDULE SIX
CUSTOMARY CODE OF CONDUCT FOR AN ICHIE
- An Ichie shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with
his duties and responsibilities as a member of Awka-Etiti Traditional Council.
- An Ichie shall not ask for or accept any bribe for himself or any other person on
account of anything done or omitted to be done by him in the discharge of his duties
as a member of Awka-Etiti Traditional Council.
- An Ichie shall not do or direct to be done in abuse of his office any arbitrary act
prejudicial to the rights of any other person or persons or any village or
association or group of persons, knowing that such act is unlawfully or contrary
to the provisions of this constitution or inimical to the peace and good governance
of Awka-Etiti community.
- An Ichie shall not belong to any secret society or cult.
- An Ichie shall not do any act prohibited by this customary code of conduct personally
or through an agent.
SCHEDULE SEVEN
OATH OF OFFICE FOR ELECTED OFFICERS OF AWKA-ETITI
IMPROVEMENT UNION
I,……....……...……………………………………………………………………………………………………….having been
Elected ….....……………………………of……………………………………………..hereby swear that I will
- Uphold and observe the constitution of the people of Awka-Etiti 2004 and the
Customs and traditions in force in Awka-Etiti.
- Honestly and Faithfully discharge the functions of my office, use my best endeavors
to promote peace and harmony, justice and equality, goodwill and cooperation
amongst the people of Awka-Etiti.
- Conform to the Code of Conduct prescribed for my office, eschew bitterness and not
allow any personal or sectional interest to influence the discharge of the functions of
my office.
So help me God.
________________________________
DECLARANT
Sworn before me this ---------------------------------DAY OF ----------------------------------- YEAR----------------------------------
_________________________________
LEGAL ADVISER.
SCHEDULE EIGHT
CUSTOMARY CODE OF CONDUCT FOR AN OFFICERS
OF AWKA-ETITI IMPROVEMENT UNION
1. An elected officer of A.I.U shall not put himself in a position where his personal
interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities as an officer of A.I.U.
2. An elected officer shall not ask for or accept any bribe for himself or any other
person on account of anything done or omitted to be done by him in the discharge
of his duties as an officer of A.I.U.
3. An elected officer shall not do or direct to be done in abuse of his office any
arbitrary of prejudicial to the rights of any other person or persons or any village or
association or group of persons, knowing that such act is unlawfully or contrary
to the provisions of this constitution or inimical to the peace and good governance
of Awka-Etiti community.
4. An elected officer shall not belong to any secret society or cult.
5. An elected officer shall not do any act prohibited by this customary code of conduct
personally or through an agent.
MEMBERS OF CONSTITUTION DRAFTING COMMITEE:
- HON. CAJETHAN OJUKWU NKOLOFIA REPRESENTATIVE
- MR. PATRICK EZENAGU UMUNOCHA ″
- BARR. I.B. IZUEGBUNAM EJIGHINANDU ″
- BARR. IFEANYI OKPALEKE IRUOWELLE ″
- DR. IKECHUKWU IBIUKWU UMUDUNU ″
- MR. JOSEPH C. OKAFOR NNABA ″
- CHIEF DALMAS EZEKWENNA OGUNZELLE ″
- CHIEF SOLOMON N. ALIGOSI OBI-IN-COUNCIL ″
|
TENURES |
OFFICES |
||||||||
|
3 YEARS EACH |
P.G |
V.P.G |
SEC.GEN. |
ASST.SEC. |
FIN.SEC. |
TREASURER |
P.R.O |
PROVOST I |
PROVOST II |
|
1999-2002 |
Nkolofia |
Umunocha |
Ejighinandu |
Iruowelle |
Umudunu |
Nnaba |
Ogunzelle |
Nkolofia |
Umunocha |
|
2002-2005 |
Umunocha |
Ejighinandu |
Iruowelle |
Umudunu |
Nnaba |
Ogunzelle |
Nkolofia |
Umunocha |
Ejighinandu |
|
2005-2008 |
Ejighinandu |
Iruowelle |
Umudunu |
Nnaba |
Ogunzelle |
Nkolofia |
Umunocha |
Ejighinandu |
Iruowelle |
|
2008-2011 |
Iruowelle |
Umudunu |
Nnaba |
Ogunzelle |
Nkolofia |
Umunocha |
Ejighinandu |
Iruowelle |
Umudunu |
|
2011-2014 |
Umudunu |
Nnaba |
Ogunzelle |
Nkolofia |
Umunocha |
Ejighinandu |
Iruowelle |
Umudunu |
Nnaba |
|
2014-2017 |
Nnaba |
Ogunzelle |
Nkolofia |
Umunocha |
Ejighinandu |
Iruowelle |
Umudunu |
Nnaba |
Ogunzelle |
|
2017-2020 |
Ogunzelle |
Nkolofia |
Umunocha |
Ejighinandu |
Iruowelle |
Umudunu |
Nnaba |
Ogunzelle |
Nkolofia |
