Ongwediva – The community of Onalusheshete district is demanding the dismissal of senior headman Eino Shondili Amutenya of the Ondonga Traditional authority.
Amutenya stands accused of wresting away several villages from the headship of Oshikwanyama-speaking leaders – villages that he allegedly gave to people of his own ethnic group.
New Era is in possession of a letter alleging that 14 villages were handed over to Oshindonga-speaking people. Equally, concerned members of the local community accuse the senior headman of grabbing and fencing off land that belongs to the Oukwanyama.
Amutenya also stands accused of assaulting villagers, as well as destroying and burning down the fences of some people. One of the villagers that was allegedly assaulted is a disabled person.
“The villager (name withheld) was beaten, while his clothes were torn to pieces,” the community alleged in the letter of complaint. A police case in this regard was opened.
They further said they have written numoerous letters to the Ondonga Traditional Authority to lodge complaints about the supposed maltreatment they suffered since last year, but have not received any response.
At a meeting held by the community in May to express their dismay, one of Amutenya’s subjects allegedly turned up and shamed the attendees by tongue-lashing them with derogatory remarks.
“We also want to enjoy the fruits of this country, because since the current leadership of Onalusheshete took over, we have been maltreated,” they said.
Amutenya could not be reached for comment, as his phone went unanswered. His deputy, Kashona kaMalulu, refused to comment in detail, but claimed some leadership positions were merely seized due to poor leadership. He further alleged that some leaders are perpetual abusers of alcohol, who can, therefore, not lead.
On Monday, President Hage Geingob raised concern over leadership succession battles and disputes amongst traditional authorities. Geingob urged communities to refer such matters to the relevant authorities.
The president made the remarks at the 18th annual meeting of the Council of Traditional leaders at Ekamuti Lodge in Ondangwa on Monday. Similarly, the Chairperson of the Council of Traditional Leaders and King of Ondonga
Traditional Authority, King Kauluma Elifas, called on traditional leaders to desist from unnecessary disputes.
by Nuusita Ashipala