A prominent community leader in Ekwenu Autonomous Community, Obolo-Affor, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Chief Emma Ugwu, has raised an alarm over an alleged plot to install a traditional ruler in violation of a court order.

 

Ugwu, who is a nominee for the Igweship stool and the plaintiff in suit no: OB/40/2024, accused the Enugu State Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs of planning to issue a certificate of recognition to a rival contender, Chinwe Eze, despite a subsisting court order barring any action on the matter.

 

In a statement to journalists, Chief Ugwu warned that if Governor Peter Mbah does not intervene and rein in the actions of the Ministry, led by Commissioner Deacon Okey Ogbodo, and Udenu LGA Chairman, Mr. Aka Eze Aka, the community could be thrown into chaos.

 

He alleged that the ministry and local officials were colluding to ignore the court’s directive and falsely present Chinwe Eze as the Igwe-elect. “This would be the third time they are flouting the court order,” Ugwu said, noting that some traditional rulers had allegedly been enlisted to support the move.

 

According to Ugwu, various attempts by Chinwe Eze and the Ministry to vacate or stay the court order have failed, with an appeal currently pending. Despite this, there are ongoing efforts to recognize Eze officially, which Ugwu described as a “contemptuous illegality.”

 

He cautioned government appointees against abusing their offices, insisting that the rule of law must prevail. “The Commissioner must understand that his office is not his personal estate. He must uphold the law,” Ugwu said.

 

He called on Governor Mbah to act swiftly by involving the Attorney General to ensure peace and order are maintained. “Enugu should not be subjected to this level of lawlessness,” he said.

 

As of the time of filing this report, the Commissioner and the Udenu LG Chairman have yet to respond to the allegations.