Tensions are escalating in Umuekwenu Autonomous Community, located in the Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, over an alleged attempt to impose a traditional ruler on the community.
On Friday, hundreds of community members gathered at the Udenu Local Government Council headquarters to protest what they claimed was the imposition of Chief Chinwe Eze as their traditional ruler.
The protesters contend that the state’s commissioner for local government affairs is attempting to install Chief Chinwe Eze without their consent, as no election has been held to select the new Igwe (king).
The community had previously taken legal action against the move, filing a suit at the Enugu State High Court in Obollo Afor, which resulted in an injunction barring the commissioner from proceeding with Eze’s installation.
The court order, under Suit No: OB/40/2024, mandated that the status quo remain until the court determines the matter in full.
Despite the court injunction, the community claims that the commissioner has tried to go ahead with the installation.
This has led to widespread protests, with residents voicing their opposition and holding placards that condemn the alleged imposition.
One of the protest leaders, Hillary Onah, addressed the local government officials, stating, “The people of Umuekwenu are here today to protest the fraudulent certificate of observation handed to Chief Chinwe Eze. We have not elected anyone as the Igwe-elect, and we won’t accept this.”
The community further alleged that they were misled when the Enugu State Government, represented by officials from the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, arrived at a meeting intended to distribute agricultural palliatives, only to present the certificate of observation instead.
The residents claim they were not informed about any election and maintain that no such election has occurred.
Onah added, “We have written letters to the governor, the Secretary to the Government, and others, and have met with the commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs. However, we remain skeptical of his assurances, which is why our protest continues.”
The ongoing dispute over the Igweship has been a source of tension for 17 years, with residents blaming the ambition of one individual for blocking the due process of electing their Igwe.
Despite the court’s ruling to maintain the status quo, the community insists that the legal order must be respected and the process should follow the proper channels.
“We reject what has happened entirely. The Igweship of Umuekwenu is not for sale,” Onah concluded.
