Chieftaincy Tussle Deepens in Enugu Community Amid Dispute Over Planned Election
Tension is mounting in Ameke Oduma Autonomous Community in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State following disagreements over a proposed traditional leadership election reportedly scheduled for Saturday, May 23.
The development has continued to generate concern among stakeholders in the community, with some residents expressing fears that the situation could escalate if not properly managed by the relevant authorities.
At the centre of the dispute are pending court matters relating to the leadership structure of the community and the conduct of the proposed chieftaincy process.
According to community sources, the community’s Igwe-elect, Chief Patrick Nwagbara, is said to be awaiting formal recognition and installation following a matter currently before the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division.
The sources also alleged that an earlier order of the Enugu State High Court, presided over by Justice C.A. Ogbuabor, restrained one Hon. Nelson Chibuzor Mbah from parading himself as President-General of the town union pending the determination of the suit before the court.
Some stakeholders in the community argued that the proposed election should not proceed while issues surrounding the legality of the town union leadership remain unresolved.
They further claimed that correspondence exchanged between officials of the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and the disputed town union leadership contributed to concerns over the credibility of the planned exercise.
Meanwhile, Chief Nwagbara has reportedly instituted a fresh suit before the Enugu State High Court challenging moves connected with the proposed election and seeking judicial interpretation on the matter.
Part of the reliefs sought in the suit, according to sources familiar with the case, include an order restraining the conduct of any chieftaincy election pending the resolution of the disputes before the courts.
Community leaders also disclosed that letters had earlier been sent to the relevant authorities urging caution and calling for peaceful resolution of the issues in contention.
As of the time of filing this report, officials of the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs had yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
Residents and stakeholders have appealed to the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as well as security agencies, to intervene in the interest of peace and stability in the community.
They reaffirmed their support for the state government while urging all parties involved to allow due process and the rule of law to prevail in resolving the dispute.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
