The High Court of Enugu State has issued a Form 48 Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Court Order against former President General of Obeagu-Ugwuaji Development Union, Freedom Chukwunonso Obi, four former executive members of the union, and top Enugu State government officials over alleged disobedience of subsisting court orders.
The notice, dated March 12, 2026, was issued in Suit No. E/129/JR/2026 and warns the affected persons that failure to comply with the court’s directives could lead to contempt proceedings and possible imprisonment.
The applicants in the matter include Hon. Joseph Okwudili Ani, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of Obeagu-Ugwuaji Development Union; Hon. Francis Ikechukwu Egbo, Secretary of the Caretaker Committee; Samuel M.C. Ugwu; Christian Chimaobi Nwobodo; and Ejike Daniel Ngene, acting on behalf of members of the Obeagu-Ugwuaji Autonomous Community Development Union.
Named as respondents and contemnors are Freedom Chukwunonso Obi, former President General; Cyril Ani, former Secretary General; Romanus Egbo; Prince Ekene Obi, former Youth Secretary; and Chidozie Egbo, former Youth Leader.
Also listed as respondents are the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Charles O.C. Egumgbe; the Commissioner for Local Government and Rural Development; and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Enugu State.
The court specifically directed the notice to Dr. Charles O.C. Egumgbe, Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, warning him and the others to obey earlier orders made by the court on January 6, 2026, and March 2, 2026.
“Take notice that unless you obey the directions of the Enugu State High Court contained in the Order herewith attached made on 6th January, 2026 in Suit No. E/05/2026; and the Order made on 2/3/2026 in E/129/JR/2026, that you will be guilty of Contempt of Court and will be liable to be committed to prison,” the notice read.
The legal dispute stems from the leadership tussle in Obeagu-Ugwuaji Development Union following the dissolution of the former town union executive led by Freedom Chukwunonso Obi and the subsequent appointment of a caretaker committee headed by Hon. Joseph Okwudili Ani.
The court had earlier upheld the dissolution of the former executive and recognized the caretaker committee as the lawful leadership structure of the community.
Despite this, the applicants alleged that some former executives and government officials acted contrary to the subsisting judgment by attempting to undermine the caretaker committee and revive the dissolved leadership structure.
A separate order issued by Justice C.A. Ogbuabor on March 2, 2026, further reinforced the position of the caretaker committee and restrained the respondents from actions capable of disrupting the lawful administration of the community.
The latest Form 48 notice signals a possible escalation in the legal battle, with the affected parties now facing the risk of contempt proceedings if they fail to comply with the court’s directives.
The matter has continued to generate tension within Obeagu-Ugwuaji community, as stakeholders await the next legal steps and possible enforcement of the court’s orders.
