By William Mbangula
Othika
Residents of this desert-like village are up in arms over what they consider to be the arbitrary imposition of a headman by the Uukwambi Traditional Authority.
The spokesperson of the villagers, Junias Nampindi Ndakola, specifically singled out Chief Herman Iipumbu, the Chairperson of the Uukwambi Traditional Authorityas the main driving force behind the manipulated appointment of his relative Abraham Kamutsheetha Iipumbu as headman of Othika village.
Ndakola told New Era that although he is from the bloodline of the rulers of Othika village, he has no intention of becoming the headman but is in full support of the current legitimate heir, Martin Nambala Angombe, who is a relative of his father.
Othika village, situated about 30 km west of Oshakati in Omusati Region, was until 1975 run by his father (spokesperson) Ndakola Shilume. Upon his death, it was taken over by his nephew, Epafras Iipinge Angombe, until his death on June 3, 2000.
Before his death, Angombe nominated his son Martin Nambala to become the headman of the village in line with the customary practice of the community.
But contrary to the accepted practice, the nominated candidate was sidelined and instead a relative of the chairperson of Uukwambi Traditional Authority, who is not related to the deceased former headman, was appointed.
It is alleged that Chief Iipumbu has been trying at every occasion to frustrate Martin Nambala from performing his duties as the legitimate headman of the village. Instead, it is said, Chief Iipumbu is always imposing Kamutsheetha, who is a brother of his father as the headman.
One classical example mentioned by the villagers was the registration of the land owners in the village recently. Chief Iipumbu brought in Kamutsheetha and ordered Martin Nambala to leave the room. As a result, the villagers complained, their application forms were signed by Kamutsheetha on the insistence of Chief Iipumbu and against their will since they do not recognise him as the village headman.
Said Ndakola: “We do not understand Chief Iipumbu’s standpoint and that of Senior Headman of Olupembana, Lovisa Nashilongo Tshitaatala, for refusing Martin Nambala the right to inherit the throne of his father, while the duo (Iipumbu and Tshitaatala) are in the footsteps of their own fathers. Even their fathers, Silas Iipumbu and Wilbard Tshitaatala, were ruling in accordance with the customary practice of inheritance. Why are they committing injustices against Martin Nambala in particular and our community in general?”
According to Ndakola, Chief Iipumbu came to power through a protracted power struggle between himself and the nephew of his father, a certain Isaak Elishi. He almost suffered the same fate of being unfairly sidelined.
It is said that at the time he lobbied the support of some powerful forces including some colonial authorities until he got his way to become the chief after the death of his father Silas Iipumbu.
Nashilongo, herself a school teacher at Ogongo, succeeded her father recently. In an open letter to the Uukwambi Traditional Authority, the residents dismissed Kamutsheetha as a person who has no good relations with the people of Othika, that the residents of the village are not allowed to visit his house, that he is a gossiper and rumourmonger and that he threatens people.
Last Wednesday, May 30, Chief Iipumbu had a meeting with disgruntled Martin Nambala who was accompanied by the village secretary Toivo Iipumbu (not related to the chief) and Simon Amagulu. Asked about the outcome of the discussion, Martin Nambala told New Era that Chief Iipumbu declined to reconsider his position and ordered them to support and cooperate with Kamutsheetha.
Chief Iipumbu confirmed the conflict to New Era but declined to discuss it further, saying he would first consult Senior Headman Tshitaatala, under whom Othika falls. He assured New Era that he could only make an informed comment after June 13 when the matter would be discussed at the monthly meeting.
Asked for comment, Tshitaatala declined to say anything and instead referred this reporter to Iipumbu.