Ekwenu Autonomous Community in Obollo Afor, Udenu Local Government Area, Enugu State, is witnessing heightened tensions following the alleged recognition of Chief Chinwe Eze as the community’s Traditional Ruler (Igwe). The development has sparked widespread protests, with a section of the community vehemently opposing what they describe as a “clandestine” attempt to impose Chief Eze on them without due consultation and consensus.
Community leaders and aggrieved residents, numbering in their hundreds, staged a peaceful protest at the Udenu Local Government Secretariat on Monday, carrying placards and chanting songs of disapproval. The protesters decried the process leading to Chief Eze’s purported recognition, alleging that it lacked transparency and violated democratic principles.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Hon. Hillary Onah accused certain unnamed government officials of colluding with Chief Eze to undermine the community’s autonomy and impose a Traditional Ruler against the will of the people.
“We are deeply angered and disappointed by the actions of some individuals suspected to be government officials who are colluding with Chief Chinwe Eze. This move is a clear violation of our community’s democratic conventions and is an affront to the will of the people,” Onah said.
The protesters demanded that the process be halted and called for a more inclusive approach to selecting their Traditional Ruler. They emphasized the need for adherence to established customs and democratic norms.
Addressing the protesters on behalf of the Chairman of Udenu Local Government, the Secretary to the Local Government, Rt. Hon. Chika Aroh, assured them that their grievances would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities. He urged the community to remain calm while the matter is being addressed.
“I understand your concerns, and I assure you that they will be relayed to the Chairman. Please remain peaceful as we work towards resolving the issues raised,” Aroh stated.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the protesters have escalated the matter by submitting a formal petition to the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah. The petition seeks the Governor’s intervention to prevent what they termed the “imposition” of Chief Eze as their Traditional Ruler and to ensure a fair and transparent process in line with the community’s traditions.
The controversy has drawn attention across the State, with many observers calling for restraint and dialogue to avert a potential crisis in the community. Efforts to reach Chief Chinwe Eze and his supporters for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
As the situation unfolds, residents and stakeholders are hopeful that the State Government will step in to mediate and ensure that justice prevails, preserving the peace and unity of Ekwenu Autonomous Community.
