A DELEGATION of the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority met with President Hifikepunye Pohamba at State House on Tuesday to air their grievances about a succession dispute after the former Chief died last year.
‘We presented a written statement to President Pohamba with all details concerning the issues,’ the Ovambanderu spokesperson, Otniel Ngahahe, told The Namibian late Wednesday.’We received a letter four months ago on February 2 from Local and Regional Government Minister Jerry Ekandjo that he would dispatch a commission to Omaheke to investigate the dispute we declared last year after a breakaway Ovambanderu faction inaugurated a succeeding chief without going through the proper channels like the traditional authority,’ Ngahahe added. However, the commission has still not been sent to Epukiro, the seat of the traditional authority.’President Pohamba listened to us and said he would study the thick document we prepared for him. He told us he would further consult with line Ministers and legal advisors as Government had a strong interest that the dispute in our community is dissolved amicably and peacefully,’ Ngahahe said. ‘The Head of State also requested us to be patient and not to threaten [others] with bloodshed.’The delegation was led by Senior Councillor Gerson Katjivua, who was delegated by Acting Chief Peter Nguvauva.The two factions have divided the Ovambanderu community deeply over recent years after differences about a new tribal constitution, which one faction led by Senior Traditional Councillor Erastus Kahuure had challenged in court. Last year the death of the late Chief Munjuku Nguvauva deepened the rift because two of his sons, Kilus and Keharanjo, each claimed to be the rightful heir to the throne. The dispute became tense when the faction favouring Kilus Nguvauva called off the annual commemoration at the graves of two chiefs at Okahandja last weekend.The group under Keharanjo pushed ahead with the commemoration but the Police prevented them from holding the event there.brigitte@namibian.com.na
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