Since the Okon-Aku crisis erupted in January 2026, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu has exercised remarkable restraint in speaking publicly. His silence has not been born of indifference but of principle.
As the President of Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), the largest umbrella body for Media and Cultural Workers in Africa (which gives him unfethered access to endless media), but taking to media would’ve given the impression that he seeks to interfere in investigations or sway public opinion, especially, given that an Administrative Panel of Inquiry was set by the Abia State Government, while other relevant security authorities are investigating the incident simultaneously.
Yet, for the sake of clarity and to counter the tide of misinformation, it has become necessary to reveal some facts and place them in their proper context.
It is important to emphasize, first and foremost, that the crisis which rocked Okon-Aku on the 2nd and 3rd of January 2026 bears no connection to the committee responsible for the selection of the Ezeogo and Nnaka IV in 2024. The process was concluded peacefully and decorum returned to the community. The committee’s work was a process rooted in tradition, guided by the Constitution of Okon-Aku, and designed to reflect the collective will of the community rather than serve any personal or political agenda.
The committee that Prince Emeka Kalu chaired was inclusive, representative, and respected the voices of all segments of Okon-Aku society. It comprised the Heads and sub-Heads of the 26 compounds that make up Okon-Aku, chairpersons and Secretaries of the Okon-Aku Development Union (ODU) from all branches, past and present ODU PGs, all former LGA Chairmen, Deps, Councillors from Okon-Aku, women leaders, youth leaders, spiritual custodians (Ndi Abiansi), traditional government representatives (Ndi Akpan), active age grades responsible for the enforcement of community laws (Uke Ato), and all other recognised traditional institutions. Every element of Okon-Aku had a voice in the process (as shown in some of the Group Photographs below).
The committee’s mandate received Memos from community members regarding rightful heirs, particularly concerning the Ezeogo stool (which is Hereditary), in strict adherence to the extant laws, traditions, Customary and cultural constitutional guidelines of Okon-Aku. The committee convened at Ogbo Ukwu Awagwu, the village square, where submissions from the claimants to the stool were meticulously reviewed and assessed. The process has been Documented with video, and pictures, evidences for public perusal. The testimonies presented were then verified, a process that promoted the visit of all the community members to Eje Nnu (the ancestral land of Okon-Aku), to ensure transparency and adherence to tradition.
Through this careful and painstaking process, the Community did not blink in seeing the rightful place where Ezeogo Okon-aku comes from, hence the Compound presented a nominee to the King Makers, who performed the various processes of installing the Ezeogo.
It is critical to underscore the fact that Non of the Committee Members, was a King Maker, so they did not install the Ezeogo, but the various King Makers did.
Even after the process concluded, some aggrieved parties chose to legally challenge the outcome and proceeded to the Court of competent jurisdiction, which is their constitutional right. That case is still pending, and it should not be subjected to public speculation, social media distortions, or smear campaigns, as the legal system remains the proper forum for addressing grievances and not otherwise.
Joel Ulu, also known as Zulu, is a young cousin of Prince Emeka Kalu who lived with him for more than a decade and has every right to visit his uncle at will.
They said Joel Ulu was neither invited by the Police nor declared wanted by any Security Agency, for his being at his Uncle’s place in Awka to be assumed running from anybody. If someone ever wants to hide away, will it be at the residence of a popular public figure like Prince Emeka Kalu (Magic Fingers), whose office and residence are known by even toddlers in Awka?
Throughout this entire period since the incident, Prince Emeka Kalu has remained unwavering in his call for justice. He has advocated consistently for accountability in the death of Akuma and the mayhem/brigandage. He has always insisted that even if a transparent investigation revealed that he or anyone close to him has a hand in the ugly incidents in Okon-Aku, let him or the person pay dearly for it so that the community can experience peace for the first time in a very long time.
In every sense, the Ezeship Selection Committee was honourable, transparent, and conducted with the utmost respect for tradition, culture, and law to reveal the mind of the people. He guided the committee through a process that was fair, inclusive, and rooted in Okon-Aku’s longstanding constitutional and traditional practices. The Committee respected the authority of the traditional custodians and was disbanded in 2024 after the exercise. Attempts to misrepresent their role or motives are not only unfounded but serve only to obscure the truth and create unnecessary conflict.
For emphasis, the pseudonym “Magic Fingers” was earned through Radio Disc-Jockey Talent and Turntable Dexterity as Africa’s number one Disc Jockey (DJ).
Prince Emeka Kalu’s reputation/conduct, exemplify integrity and respect for due process, which speaks why he was hitherto in 2023, appointed as Chairman, Okon-aku Truth and Reconciliation Committee (OTRC) and the Ezeship Selection Committee for Okon-Aku is a proof of his integrity and love for his people, those who seek to twist these realities, are not only attacking him but are also undermining the very principles of justice and cultural governance that he has sought to uphold.
We will remain calm to allow the Administrative Panel of Inquiry set by the Abia State Government and other relevant authorities and security agencies to carry out their thorough investigation without interference so that at the end, truth will win and justice will prevail.
Signed By:
Mr Peter Kalu Chima –
Concerned Citizens of Okon-Aku Community (CCOC)
