Igboeze South Local Government Area, a key political subdivision in Enugu State, is divided into 16 political wards and four development centers: Ekete, South-East, Udeze, and Central.
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These development centers align with the two traditional political zones that have long defined the area’s governance structure: the South-East Zone and the South-West Zone.
Historically, the South-East Zone includes Ekete and South-East development centers, while the South-West Zone comprises Udeze and Central development centers.
Despite the introduction of the development centers, the traditional zones remain intact, continuing to serve as the foundation for political representation and resource allocation within the LGA.
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A significant aspect of this structure is the voting population ratio between the two zones, with the East holding approximately 60% and the West 40%.
Ideally, political and democratic benefits have been shared between these zones.
However, recent developments following the last general elections have sparked concerns over an apparent imbalance.
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The South-West Zone currently holds eight significant positions in government, while the South-East Zone is left with only one outgoing position—the local government’s PDP Chairmanship.
Current Political Representation:
Igboeze South-West Zone:
– Udeze Development Center:
1. Senate – Okey Ezea
2. House of Assembly – Harrison Ogara
3. Commissioner – Hon. Sunday Ajogwu
4. Chairman, Igboeze South Traditional Rulers Council – HRH Igwe Agbaje
5. Vice Chairman, Igboeze South Traditional Rulers Council – HRH Igwe Oke
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– Central Development Center:
1. Member, ESUT Board – Chief Engr Ajibo
2. Patron 2, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council – HRH Igwe H.I. Ezeh
3. Secretary, Igboeze South Traditional Rulers Council – HRH, Igwe Prof. Omeje
Igboeze South-East Zone:
– South-East Development Center:
1. 1st Term Chairman, PDP Igboeze South – Hon. Princess Chinwendu Ogbonna
– Ekete Development Center:
– No position currently occupied
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This lopsided distribution of power has led to increasing calls for the next Chairman of the council to come from the South-East Zone, specifically from the Ekete development center.
Ekete, which is the most populous development center, accounting for about 40% of the LGA’s population, remains significantly underrepresented.
Emerging Contenders for Council Chairmanship:
Among the key figures vying for the Chairmanship is Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, a prominent legal practitioner from Umulolo Ward in Ekete development center.
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Barr. Ukwueze, the immediate past Chairman of the NBA Nsukka branch and a former Coordinating Chairman of the Bar in Enugu State, has a strong political and professional background.
His contributions to the PDP during the last election cycle are well-recognized, particularly his financial support for various campaign platforms and his philanthropic efforts aimed at empowering widows and orphans in the community.
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With growing support for his candidacy, Barr. Ukwueze’s leadership could mark a significant shift in the political dynamics of Igboeze South LGA, potentially restoring balance and ensuring fair representation across the traditional zones. As the momentum builds, the political landscape of Igboeze South LGA is poised for significant changes.
