A tense atmosphere grips the Umuekwune Obollo-Afor autonomous community in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, as plans to conduct an Igweship election proceed despite an existing court order stopping the process.
Local residents and leaders have expressed strong opposition to what they claim is an attempt to impose a monarch on the community, accusing the Enugu State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, of disregarding the court’s directive. Reports indicate that despite acknowledging a restraining order from a court of competent jurisdiction, the Commissioner has allegedly scheduled the Igweship election for Monday, November 4, 2024.
Community leader Chief Arua Melitus, flanked by fellow residents, spoke to journalists in Enugu on Saturday, expressing disbelief over the situation. He confirmed that the court order had been served to the ministry on September 23, 2024, and that while the ministry had filed a motion to vacate the order, it had not been granted. Melitus condemned the Commissioner’s actions as “an illegality” and questioned the audacity to defy the law.
Read also: Female NSITF staff arraigned for presenting fake certificate
“This is unprecedented. When I first heard about the election, I thought it was a joke. I’m confident Governor Peter Mbah, being a lawyer, did not authorize such a move, especially while the matter is still in court,” Melitus said, urging the Governor to rein in the Commissioner. He also appealed to security agencies, religious bodies, and human rights organizations to hold the Commissioner accountable should unrest erupt over the election.
Prominent community figure Prince M.O Agu reassured residents that the law would take its course, emphasizing that the court order remains in effect. He urged calm, assuring community members that they would not tolerate any imposed leadership.
