The Enugu State government has accepted the recommendation to dethrone the traditional ruler of Okwojo Ngwo and disband the community’s Town Union.
This decision is detailed in a white paper that follows the findings and recommendations of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry regarding the Okwojo Town Union and the murder of Barr. Theophilus Ejimofor Ozongwu, among related matters.
In the gazette issued by the state government, the commission advised the withdrawal of recognition from Igwe C.C. Ude due to his failure to fulfill his responsibilities as Traditional Ruler.
Additionally, it recommended that community leader Ozo Ramsey Onyia be banned from holding any leadership position in Okwojo Ngwo for five years as a consequence of his actions.
“That all the dealings of the Town Union in respect of land and land matters should be nullified and set aside.”
The Commission noted that the activities of the Okwojo Town Union aggravated the crisis in Okwojo Ngwo leading to the gruesome murder of the late Ozo Theophilus Ejimofor Ozongwu.
“The Town Union and without justification trespassed into the late Barr. Theophilus Ejimofor Ozongwu’s Palm Plantation situated within the Government Forest Reserve Okwojo and damaged part of the Palm Plantation which was duly granted to him by the Government.
“The destruction of part of the said Palm Plantation created the circumstances that led to the murder of the late Barr. Theophilus Ejimofor Ozongwu on 23rd December, 2015.”
It also recommended “that the trial of suspects in the murder of the late Barr. Theophilus Ejimofor Ozongwu is ongoing in Court and judgment should therefore be awaited.
“The government should ensure that the police continue their investigation until all those connected with the gruesome murder are arrested and prosecuted.
The State government after accepting the recommendations, has directed the Ministry of Justice to monitor its implementation.
