0
The Otu Nwatanwelinkea/Otu Ife Onye Wepuanya Joint Age Grade has distanced itself from claims that Asaba traditional age grades passed a vote of confidence on former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, and endorsed candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The clarification was contained in a statement signed by the Otu Nwatanwelinkea/Otu Ife Onye Wepuanya Joint Age Grade, which rejected reports linking the body to a recent political gathering and endorsement in Asaba.
The rebuttal followed reports alleging that four prominent Asaba age grades unanimously endorsed Elumelu and adopted APC candidates during a meeting held at his campaign office.
In the statement, the group described the reports as misleading, insisting that “the traditional joint age grade did not visit the said location in any official capacity.”
According to the statement, “the individuals present were members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), acting in their personal and political capacity,” stressing that their actions should not be interpreted as representing the position of the traditional institution.
The group maintained that “traditional institutions in Ani Ahaba, including the joint age grade, remain non-partisan and are custodians of our culture, history, and the memory of our departed and martyrs.”
It further emphasized that “no traditional title or age grade platform was used to endorse any individual or political position,” effectively distancing the institution from the alleged vote of confidence passed on Elumelu and other APC candidates.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of individuals to participate in politics, the age grade cautioned against dragging traditional institutions into partisan activities.
The statement added: “While we respect the right of individuals to engage in politics, it is important that such activities are not misrepresented as the position of our traditional institutions.”
The group also warned against politicising locations and symbols that hold deep historical significance to the Asaba people, insisting that “the sanctity of the Asaba massacre and the sacrifices of our people remain central to our collective identity and will not be compromised for any reason.”
It therefore called on politicians and members of the public to exercise restraint, stating: “We call on all to be guided accordingly and to avoid ascribing political actions to our traditional structures.”
The clarification directly contradicts earlier reports claiming that Asaba age grades had unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and endorsed APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the joint age grade insisting that the traditional institution remains neutral and non-partisan.