History was made in Umuagba Owa Autonomous Community, Imezi-Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, as the people peacefully elected a new traditional ruler after more than five years of leadership vacuum.
The much-anticipated Igweship election, held at the Community Primary School, Abonuzu, was conducted under a calm and orderly atmosphere, drawing praise from observers as one of the most transparent traditional leadership exercises ever recorded in Ezeagu.
The election was duly supervised by officials from the Enugu State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, alongside a delegation from the Ezeagu Local Government Area led by the Deputy Mayor and the Deputy Leader of the Legislative Council. Their presence ensured that the process adhered strictly to due process and the community’s constitution.
Security was tight, with officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Neighbourhood Watch Group deployed to guarantee peace throughout the exercise.
In accordance with the community’s electoral guidelines, each of the twelve villages that make up Umuagba Owa presented ten delegates—seven men and three women—bringing the total number of accredited delegates to 114, all of whom cast valid votes. The election adopted the Option A4 open voting system, which allowed for full transparency and instant verification of results.
At the end of the exercise, Chief Benedict Madubueze Adinde emerged victorious as the Igwe-elect of Umuagba Owa Autonomous Community, sparking jubilant celebrations among indigenes who described his victory as “a divine restoration of unity and leadership.”
Speaking moments after his declaration, Chief Adinde expressed deep gratitude to the Enugu State Government and the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, led by Deacon Okey Ogbodo, for their commitment to justice, transparency, and grassroots development. He pledged to provide inclusive, people-oriented leadership that would restore the community’s pride and unity.
“This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every son and daughter of Umuagba Owa,” Adinde said. “I call on all our people—home and abroad—to join hands in rebuilding and repositioning our community for greater glory.”
The Deputy Mayor of Ezeagu LGA, Hon. Mrs. Nkiru Ugwuagu, hailed the peaceful conduct of the election and congratulated the new Igwe-elect, urging him to lead with wisdom, fairness, and integrity.
Similarly, the Deputy Leader of the Ezeagu Legislative Council, Hon. Obidimma Okafor, alongside community leaders including Chief Linus Ndubuisi, Comr. Sylvanus, and Chief Felix Anah, commended the credible and transparent process, describing it as “a model of grassroots democracy and unity for other communities to emulate.”
A representative of the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Ozoagu, also lauded the organizers, saying the election reflected “exemplary coordination, discipline, and commitment to due process.”
In his closing remarks, the President General of Umuagba Owa Autonomous Community, Comr. Sampson Ike, thanked the supervisory ministry, local government officials, and security agencies for ensuring peace and order.
“Today marks a turning point for Umuagba Owa,” Ike said. “After years of uncertainty, we have restored leadership, unity, and hope.”
With the emergence of Chief Benedict Madubueze Adinde as Igwe-elect, the people of Umuagba Owa have not only filled a long-standing leadership void but also rekindled the spirit of peace, progress, and cooperation that defines the proud heritage of Ezeagu.
