Tension is escalating in the Umuekwune Obollo-Afor Autonomous Community in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, as residents react to an alleged plan by the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters to conduct an Igweship election, defying a court order that prohibits such action.
Our correspondent has learned that unrest is brewing in the community, with locals vowing to resist what they label as the imposition of a leader.
They have accused the Enugu State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, of ignoring both wise counsel and the court order, moving forward with what many view as an illegal election.
Ogbodo is reported to have scheduled the election for November 4th, 2024 (this coming Monday), despite clear acknowledgment of the restraining order issued by a competent court.
Speaking to journalists in Enugu on Saturday, community leader Chief Arua Melitus, flanked by fellow residents, expressed shock at the audacity to disregard the court order, noting that the ministry had been duly served and acknowledged the order on September 23, 2024.
He added that the ministry was attempting to have the order vacated, a request that has not yet been granted. He questioned the commissioner’s motives for pursuing this illegality, suggesting it might be driven by personal gain.
“This is unprecedented. When I first heard about the planned election, I thought it was a joke. I know Governor Peter Mbah did not instruct him to proceed with this, as he is a lawyer who understands the implications of an ongoing court case. The Governor needs to recognize who genuinely supports him. Deacon Okey Ogbodo is not one of them and must be held accountable immediately,” he urged.
Chief Arua Melitus urged the community to remain calm, asserting that no one would accept the outcome of such an imposition in a democratic society.
He called on the Governor, security agencies, religious leaders, and human rights organizations to hold the Commissioner accountable for any potential breakdown of law and order in the area.
In response, a prominent community leader, Prince M.O. Agu, reassured residents that the law would take its course, emphasizing that there is no cause for alarm.
