Gov Nwifuru warns kinsmen against selling ancestral lands, graves
Governor Nwifuru Issues Warning Against Land Sales in Izhi Nnodo Clan
EBONYI STATE, Nigeria — Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has cautioned residents of the Izhi Nnodo clan about the peril of indiscriminately selling ancestral lands, family properties, and burial grounds. He expressed concern that such actions could lead to the community losing its identity and becoming “strangers in their own homeland.”
The governor delivered his remarks during the grand finale of the Ojiji Izhi New Yam Festival at Amagu, the ancestral home of the Izhi Nnodo clan, over the weekend. He urged the community to safeguard its cultural heritage and traditional values, emphasizing that these aspects should not be compromised for the sake of modernity, religion, or political gain.
“Ancestral land is a representation of our history, identity, and collective memory,” Nwifuru stated, calling on families to preserve their inherited properties for future generations. He conveyed his dismay at instances where individuals have sold not only family plots but also burial grounds integral to their lineage.
In his address, Nwifuru also appealed to elders, traditional leaders, youths, and religious figures to work collaboratively in protecting the clan’s cultural legacy. He highlighted the importance of distinguishing between legitimate cultural traditions and activities that could be seen as conflicting with moral or religious principles.
“Religion and culture should not be unnecessarily conflated,” he said. “Legitimate traditions that promote unity, respect for elders, and communal responsibility should be upheld, irrespective of religious beliefs.”
The governor identified core values historically associated with the Izhi people, including respect for elders, a dignity of labor, hard work, peace, unity, and communalism. He also warned against divisions stemming from political disagreements as the 2027 elections approach, asserting that electoral contests should not fracture ancestral ties or community relationships.
While acknowledging the rights of individuals to pursue political ambitions, Nwifuru urged peaceful engagement in the democratic process. He cautioned against the misuse of social media to incite political unrest, asserting that legitimate concerns should be dealt with through proper channels.
“People should not use social media to undermine our leaders and dismiss our meaningful accomplishments for political reasons,” he stated.
In defending his administration’s record, Nwifuru cited significant progress in infrastructure, particularly in road development. He noted the completion of over 500 kilometers of roads across the 13 local government areas, including bridges that connect neighboring states.
He asked the community to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections, expressing confidence in the party’s victory throughout the state. Nwifuru’s political aim, he explained, is to further the development agenda and secure electoral success for APC candidates at all levels.
Earlier in the event, Edward Nkwegu, chairman of the Ojiji Izhi cultural event, spoke about the festival’s role in transmitting values such as good morals, sincerity, and fairness handed down by ancestors. Nkwegu lamented the erosion of traditional values among the youth, attributing this trend to modern influences.
The festival brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, political stakeholders, and residents to celebrate the new yam harvest and reaffirm their commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Izhi Nnodo clan.
