The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has taken a bold step to restore order and discipline within the influential Otu Odu Onicha women’s society by suspending its president, Enyi Florence Osoka, over what the monarch described as persistent insubordination, authoritarian leadership, and a crisis of confidence.
In a detailed 14-page statement personally signed by the monarch, the decision followed a crucial meeting of the Obi-in-Council and the executive members of the Otu Odu, held at the Ime Obi Onicha. The gathering reviewed unresolved disputes tied to two critical rulings: Enyi Rita Areh vs. Enyi Florence Osoka (January 24, 2023), and the Otu Odu USA factional crisis (July 4, 2024). Both cases had, until now, remained a source of unrest within the prestigious group.
Citing Osoka’s disregard for the Council’s directives in both matters, the Obi ordered her indefinite suspension from her leadership position. He also slammed a N6 million fine on the Otu Odu Executive Committee for its repeated defiance, instructing that the amount be paid into the Onitsha Development Trust Fund within one week, with proof of payment submitted to the Chief of Staff at Ime Obi.
In his statement, the monarch condemned the president’s repeated refusal to comply with palace rulings, describing the group’s leadership style as “draconian” and fueled by a climate of fear and intimidation. He noted that, despite attempts to justify these methods as tools for maintaining discipline, the Executive Committee itself had blatantly ignored palace directives for over two years.
“For the second time in 18 months, the society’s leadership has willfully disregarded the traditional authority of the kingdom,” Obi Achebe said. “This level of disobedience cannot be tolerated. Otu Odu Onicha must not operate as an autonomous body beyond the reach of the kingdom’s cultural and traditional hierarchy.”
In addition to the fine and suspension, the Obi ordered the Otu Odu society to issue a formal apology to the Onitsha traditional ruling council for its conduct, emphasizing the need to return to a culture of humility and structured reform.
The monarch further stated: “To enable an atmosphere where constitutional reforms and institutional restructuring can occur peacefully and respectfully—without sacrificing order—Enyi Ugobueze Florence Osoka is hereby suspended from office with immediate effect and until further notice.”
His Majesty underscored that the path forward requires a leadership model rooted in respect for the kingdom’s age-old traditions—not one driven by fear and unilateral decision-making.
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