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Kingship tussle: Resolving the brewing crisis in Enugu Community
Reactions have trailed our last publication urging His Excellency Governor Peter Mbah to intervene in the Mburubu kingship tussle. Though the reactions appear to have come from one side of the divide, (which are what we received) it has thrown some light on the issues at stake.
Reactions:
Ozo Simon Aniobi MBA:
I read your contributions to the tussle of the traditional ruler (igwe) in the Mburubu community. I was compelled to provide you with detailed information on how the community has been applying rotation of various offices (President-General; Ward Councillor at LGA and Traditional ruler – Igwe) among the seven villages in the community, as enshrined in the 2003 Mburubu Town Union Constitution.
Interestingly, the commissioner for rural development and chieftaincy affairs, Enugu State used the same 2003 Mburubu Town Union Constitution to supervise the election of the current President-General.
In the same vein, the same 2003 Mburubu Town Union Constitution was used to elect the current Mburubu Ward councilor at LGA..
The community wants to continue the usage of rotation in the selection of Igwe as enshrined in section 6.0 Part 3 of the 2003 Mburubu Town Union Constitution. But some persons with financial muscles want to thwart the constitution and that was the beginning of the so-called igwe tussle.
Solomon Obinna Okafor
Actually it is getting out of hand every day by day in our dear community Mburubu Kingdom. Mburubu has not divided more than what we see in this present time. A group of people have decided to set Mburubu Kingdom on fire for doing the wrong thing. We believe in rotation and this has been working for us as a community. Uhuegbe is the next to produce Igwe while bringing a person from another village…
THE CONCEPT OF ROTATION OF IGWE STOOL (KINGSHIP), WARD COUNCILOR AND OFFICE OF PRESIDENT-GENERAL AMONG THE SEVEN VILLAGES THAT CONSTITUTE MBURUBU COMMUNITY.
Concept of rotation of office
Rotation of office is an expression that refers to a system in which two or more persons, group of persons or federating units of equal rank take it in turns to occupy a more senior role or position in a society. Thomas Jefferson, an American and a staunch advocate of rotative principle says that “the term rotation in office means an obligation on the holder of an office to go out at a certain period” and a smooth replacement by another person. It refers to a designed system in which federating units that constitute a larger society take it in turns to occupy certain senior positions. It is designed in such a manner that persons from various segments of a society are given equal opportunities to take turns to occupy certain revered positions.
The strategy helps to eliminate tensions that could have arisen from tussles between groups of individuals in the processes towards occupation of certain vacant senior office positions. It is an effective tactic to manage hybrid of persons from diverse society that have expressed desire to occupy certain positions of authority. Such persons ordinarily could not have had the required resources to struggle and vie for high positions but rotational principle encourages inclusiveness, hence an opportunity is being presented to everyone within the segments of society to have a shot at senior office positions. The absence of rotational principle would have made it near impossible for other competent members of a society to occupy certain positions of authority. Therefore, rotation is a system that encourages inclusiveness, creates sense of belonging and harmony among federating units.
Historical experience in Mburubu community
In the past, Mburubu Community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State has had the misfortune to experience near-crisis situations. This was prompted by the desire from different villages that make up the community, to produce either a Ward Councilor in the Local Government chambers or President-General of Town Union administration, whichever becomes vacant. Invariably, the positions of a Ward Councilor or Town Union President-General becomes vacant most often because of its short tenure that spanned between four to six years. And because of shortness of the tenure of both positions, the community usually witness tussles between villages and individuals aspiring to occupy such revered offices. The processes of filling both positions whenever they become vacant has always generated chaotic situations among the seven villages in the community.
The acrimony, hatred, in-fighting and civil disorder that characterized selection or election processes had created disunity, instability, exclusiveness and retards infrastructural developments among the federating villages. These dysfunctional systems prevailed in the community for so long until both political and traditional leadership of the community decided to take the bull by the horns to restore sanity and change the narratives.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The political and traditional leadership of the community, ably represented by Town union executive council and His Royal Majesty, Igwe Emmanuel Mmoghalu Ogbuzulu Ezeh JP, (Ozulumba 1 of Mburubu) in conjunction with Igwe-in-council (i.e. Igwe cabinet members), respectively, in the year 2002, galvanized the entire people of Mburubu community to address once and for all the recurring decimal that had become hydra headed problems tearing the community apart. It was during this period that the community agreed that all revered positions of authority be rotated among all the seven (then six) villages that make up the community. The essence was to foster harmony, peace, unity, stability, achieve inclusiveness, equal opportunities of representation and above all, help to evenly distribute infrastructural development amongst the federating villages.
Consequently, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was executed and sealed in the community on April, 2002, to the effect that all positions of authority in the community should rotate among all the existing and potential villages that make up Mburubu. This would give equal opportunities for even representations by each village in the administrative set up in the community. The principle ensured that every village has opportunities to occupy those high valued positions in the future. This system achieved the desired inclusiveness, significant peace, and stability.
2003 Constitution of Mburubu Town Union
The 2003 Mburubu Town Union Constitution incorporated the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on rotation of the offices of Igwe stool, Ward Councilor and President-General to become constitutional matters. The following sections of the 2003 Mburubu Town Union Constitution, expressly and explicitly discussed the processes for rotation of the above positions among the federating villages in the community.
Section 11.4 Part1 of the 2003 Mburubu Town Union Constitution says: “To achieve fairness and equity and ensure spread of administrative machineries among the constituent villages in the community, there shall be a zoning system in which all elective positions shall be zoned to each village as may be determined by the electoral panel.
Section 6.0 Part 3 of 2003 Mburubu Town Union constitution alt with rotation of Igwe stool among the seven villages and this rotation shall be in the order of village seniority.
Beneficiaries of rotation principle.
Stability, peace, unity of purpose and inclusiveness were restored to Mburubu community, following the adoption and implementation of the rotational arrangements as contained in the 2003 Mburubu Town Union Constitution. Consequently, virtually all the seven villages that make up Mburubu Community had benefited from the constitutional rotational arrangements.
President-General position
The constitutional provisions for rotation of President-General was prepared, approved by the community and is recognized by the Enugu State Government. The leadership of High Chief Ozor Simon Aniobi MBA, FCTI, FCA, as President General of Mburubu Town Union achieved such a feat. He successfully gave the community strong institution, through the instrumentality of the 2003 Town Union Constitution, which the Enugu State Government recognized and registered in the year 2004. Subsequently, the community started to implement the sections of the legal document to achieve smooth transition and transmission of power from one leadership to another. The following villages have taken their turns to produce President-General of Mburubu Town Union in line with constitutional provisions as contained in the 2003 Mburubu Town Union Constitution.
Uhuagu village
The village produced Mr. Celestine Chukwu as President-General (PG) for a single tenure of five years as stipulated in the 2003 constitution. His reign as PG covered the periods of five years from 2008 to 2013. Mr Celestine Chukwu of Uhuagu village took over the mantle of leadership from High Chief Simon Aniobi from Umunafor village, who held the position of PG from 2003 to 2008
Uhuegbe village
The village produced Chief Cornelius Okorie as PG from 2013 to 2018 for a single tenure of five years. At the end of his tenure, certain individuals tried to truncate electoral processes to usher in a PG into office. This led to inability of the community to immediately elect another PG. But the generality of the community resisted the attempt to truncate existing constituion. And within the periods of resistance, the Enugu State Government had to intervene to avoid breakdown of law and order. Consequently, the Enugu State government of Governor Ugwuanyi, imposed interim administration for one year within which to conduct free, fair and credible Town Union general elections for Mburubu community. Ironically, throughout the period of one year, no sign of community administration was felt. However, the community had to converge to change the narratives after the expiration of one year. An election into the office of President-General was eventually conducted, concluded and witnessed by representatives of state government in the year 2020.
Obinagu village
The Obinagu village produced High Chief Emmanuel Edeh as the PG in the year 2020. He is the current President-General. His election into office was supervised by the then Honourable Commissioner for Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters – Honourable Mama and his team. The 2003 Mburubu Town Union Constitution was used for that election and it is still the subsisting legal document for administrative purposes in Mburubu community. The tenure of High Chief Emmanuel Edeh as PG will end in the year 2025 in accordance with five years single tenure provided in the 2003 Mburubu Constitution.
Ward Councilor position
The Mburubu community continued to use the 2003 Town Union Constitution in the selection or election of persons into the office of Ward Councilor. The community has one elective ward for purposes of election into the office of Councilor. The continued use of 2003 constitution in conducting elective positions in the community has no doubt, helped the community to douse tensions, eliminate rancor and foster peace, unity and stability amongst the federating villages.
Uhuegbe village
The village has produced Hon, Christopher Nwafor as Ward Councilor in 2002. He took over from late Hon Augustine Chukwu from Umunafor village. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was applied in achieving the election of Hon Nwafor as councilor.
Umudara village
It was actually the turn of Obinagu village to produce a Ward Councilor after Uhuegbe village. However, Obinagu village appeared not prepared for the position, hence the opportunity was given to Umudara village, which was the next village to take its turn, in line with MoU and constitutional provisions. Consequently, Umudara village produced Hon Ifeanyi Njoku as the Ward Councilor. Ironically, Ifeanyi Njoku who was a staunch beneficiary of rotation is one of the few persons trying to truncate rotational arrangements. What an irony of fate!
Obinagu village
On completion of the tenure of Hon Ifeanyi Njoku as ward councilor, the community allowed Obinage village to take another chance of producing a ward councilor. This was in fulfilment of the provisions of the 2003 constitution. It was this second missionary journey to produce a ward councilor that Obinagu village finally produced Hon Emmanuel Ede as ward Councilor.
Amanator village
The village produced Hon Christopher Onyema as ward Councilor. The transition from village to village were peaceful. This was made possible because each village knew in advance that such position is for them and they start on time to prepare themselves. Every village enjoyed sense of belonging and inclusiveness for equal representations.
Uhuagu village
When it was the turn of Uhuagu village to produce a ward councilor, the Amachi village inadvertently resented vehemently and went ahead to present candidates who expressed desire to become ward councilors as their village turn to produce a ward councilor. The issue wanted to create animosity but the community quickly intervened by making reference to the existing MoU and Town Union constitution. It was then discovered that it was indeed the turn of Uhuagu village, not Amachi village to produce next ward Councilor for the community. Consequently, candidates from Amachi village withdrew to allow Uhuagu village take their rightful turn to produce a ward councilor. Thereafter, Uhuagu village produced Hon Dr. Innocent Ukpabi as the current ward councilor.
Igwe stool (Kingship)
Mburubu community has envisaged the likely crisis that could arise at the demise of her traditional ruler and prepared well ahead of time to reduce or eliminate such crisis. The office of Igwe is not tenured, and that was why the constitutional provisions for rotation of Igwe stool was not pronounced until the death of HRM Igwe Emmanuel Mmuoghalu Ogbuzulu Ezeh, (Igwe Ozulumba 1 of Mburubu Kingdom.
The peace-loving people of Mburubu community do not want crisis in the processes of replacing and filling Igwe vacancy position occasioned by his demise. It was anticipated that one day, Igwe Mburubu would pass away and persons would start bickering to replace him. The thought of exposing the community to such dangerous situations occupied the mindset of great thinkers. To checkmate such dangerous trends, replacement processes were incorporated into the section 6.0 Part 3 of the 2003 Mburubu Town Union constitution.
The section 6.0 Part 3 of the 2003 Mburubu Town Union constitution expressly and explicitly made it clear that upon the demise of an Igwe, the position of Igwe would be rotated among the villages that make up Mburubu, in the order of seniority. The provision appeared silent since it was crafted because the community has not witnessed death of Igwe since then. It might interest you to note that the provisions were approved, sealed by the late Igwe himself before the legal document was registered with the Enugu State Government. That constitutional provisions is prevalent today until it is amended or jettisoned by any court of competent jurisdiction.
Seven villages in Mburubu Community
There are seven villages that make up Mburubu community. These villages are listed below in the order of seniority. It also shows how Igwe stool would be filled in the event of demise of traditional king. This position subsists until otherwise amended. And any right thinking person that love Mburubu community should encourage adherence to this constitutional provisions.
Umudara village.
Uhuegbe village.
Uhuagu village.
Obinagu village
Umunafor village.
Amanator village.
Amachi village.
Next village to produce Igwe
Based on section…… of the 2003 Mburubu Town Union Constitution, the next village to produce Igwe in the community is Uhuegbe. The community does not want to violate its long standing arrangements for rotation as doing that will surely expose her to avoidable crisis. The same constitution that has been effectively deployed to stabilize the community during transition of leadership positions in the areas of President-General and Ward Councilor, will hopefully be applied to stabilize the community in this trying periods of transition from the late Igwe to new one. The community desire to sustain stability and peace by adherence to its 2003 Town Union Constitution.
Benefits of rotation to the community
Rotation of office creates opportunities for empowerment. It creates an environment for peace and stability. It engenders equal development in various human endeavours. The system reinstates hope to persons from diverse segments of a society wishing to occupy certain highly valued positions of authority but ordinarily would not have succeeded if there is no existence of rotation. The transition from village to village were peaceful. This was made possible because each village knew in advance that such position is for them and they start on time to prepare themselves. Every village enjoyed sense of belonging and inclusiveness for equal representations
It might interest you to note that rotation of offices had permeated into the nooks and crannies of every village in Mburubu community. Each village had adopted rotation in their respective internal administrative machineries. In this way, the community was able to achieve cohesion, peace, unity of purpose. Nobody imposes persons on others.
It could be seen that Mburubu community adopted a very robust system of succession plans into various elective offices to eliminate crisis often associated with processes to elect persons into positions of authority in the community.
Dangers of truncating the constitution
Any attempt to jettison the provisions in the 2003 Mburubu Town Union Constitution regarding replacement of the late Igwe, will open up expressway to crisis, anarchy, and destabilization of a peace-loving community. The implications of truncating rotation of igwe title in line with constitutional provisions will endanger rotations of both ward councilor and President-General positions. The negative implications are better imagined than experienced.
Any village, group of people or individual that wants to truncate smooth transition and successive plan as enshrined in the 2003 Mburubu Town Union Constitution should be treated as an enemy of the community. The community desire strong institutions and not strong individuals. Strong individuals will always demonstrate autocratic tendencies that are inimical to community peace, harmony and development.
Individuals or groups have the freedom to demonstrate philanthropic dispositions without holding the community to their aprons of hostages. You can help your community if God blesses you with resources without inducing them to do your biddings contrary to dictates of law. It is the community that can decide to recognize your contributions to community developments through due processes. Many individuals have contributed significantly to build modern community without insisting for reward with Igwe title. These individuals are still at the forefront of making positive contributions to build modern Mburubu community.
One wonders why the community should be put into turmoil by an individual who claimed to be philanthropist without concrete evidence to show it. Making unfulfilled claims here and there to achieve quick popularity does not qualify for philanthropic dispositions. Any reliable philanthropists should be able to walk the talk. The test of the budding is in the eating.
Conclusion
The people of Mburubu community are called upon to sustain the peace and stability that characterized her existence over the years by shunning those that beat the drums of war. If few individuals are permitted to ignite crisis through pecuniary inducements and porridge of yam, then the masses will be consumed by avoidable conflagrations. A stich in time saves nine. The replacement of our late peace loving King should not bring doom but boom. Joyful boom. Peaceful boom. Economic boom. Boom and success in every ramifications to everyone in Mburubu.
By High Chief Ozo Simon Aniobi MBA; FCTI; FCA
(Obata Obie 1 of Mburubu)
Past President – General (2003 to 2008)
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“We Were Forgotten”: Obiagu Resident’s Joy Mirrors Hope as Gov. Mbah’s Intervention Reaches Enugu Slum (Video)
For years, Obiagu existed in the shadows of Enugu’s bustling city centre—alive with people, trade and nightlife, yet weighed down by neglect. Today, hope is returning, and for one young woman, Nweke Chinemerem Abigail, that hope was too powerful to keep silent.
Standing amid visible changes in her neighbourhood, Abigail took to social media to document what she described as a turning point for Obiagu, a densely populated area at the heart of Enugu metropolis. Her video, which has since gone viral, captures more than construction work—it tells the story of a community finally being seen.
“God has finally judged Obiagu,” she exclaimed in the emotional video, her words reflecting years of frustration and longing for government attention. To her and many residents, the intervention of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, signals the end of abandonment and the beginning of renewal.
Obiagu is home to thousands of low-income earners who have learned to survive amid poor infrastructure. Yet, in spite of its challenges, the area has always pulsed with life. It is a major commercial hub, renowned for its printing presses, newspaper offices, and vibrant street trading. From dawn until late night, the neighbourhood hums with activity, serving as a backbone for Enugu’s informal economy.
Residents say the irony was painful: a community so central, yet so overlooked.
“We live in the middle of the capital, but we felt like we didn’t belong to the city,” one trader told this reporter. “People came here to work and make money, but nobody cared how we lived.”
The renewed government intervention has begun to change that narrative. Though details of the project are still unfolding, the visible improvements have ignited a sense of dignity among residents who say they had resigned themselves to permanent neglect.
For Abigail, the changes represent more than physical development—they symbolize recognition.
“This is about the poor being remembered,” she said in the video. “It gives us hope that our lives matter too.”
As Obiagu slowly sheds its slum identity, the story of one young woman’s gratitude has become the voice of many. In her joy lies a simple but powerful message: development is not just about roads and buildings—it is about restoring belief to people who thought they had been forgotten.
Picture shows work in progress in Obiagu. Thanks Mr. Governor
However, less than a year after the job was delivered, Enugu North Local Government Council, backtracked on the MOU and edged Diamond M & B Construction out and started collecting revenue from the Plaza in negation to the contract agreement.
The Plaza
By PETRUS OBI.
Dear Governor,
I am writing because I have no option here.
Your Excellency, In case you are not aware, so many people, political observers, critics, journalists, saved, not only your inaugural speech at the Okpara Square on May 29, 2023, but also your manifesto.
Your promises were not just humongous, they sounded unattainable, unrealistic or even imaginary. They sounded like the usual promises from Nigerian politicians and leaders, and, many have waited to see how things turn out as years roll by.
Recently, I woke up to read from an Anambra critic – Odera (Pen of the gods); the piece was titled “Warning to Governor Mbah of Enugu.” He wrote:
‘Sir, I would have told you is not friendly advise but I told you is friendly.
‘What you are doing is not friendly at all , yes, you are a bully; let me explain.
‘Anambara is supposed to be Enugu’s senior and big brother, but the intimidation you are meting out to us is humiliating.
‘Okay, let me not comment on the transformation you are giving Enugu State without cho Cho cho (noise)…you simply brought another one which I won’t support.
‘Anambara was the first to battle Criminals in our bushes with Agû na Eche Mba, even though with Egbe chakakpom (inferior) and now you have given your own Vigilante, Guns which three will buy all the ‘chakabula’ we use in our state.
‘My anger is that if you chase all the criminals away from Enugu, they will come to Anambara and turn it “Home for all criminals.
‘So Sir, I plead that at times you allow your men to stroll into Anambara and show us some love. We agree that you pass us on good Governance, kindly have mercy and throw some security around us.
‘I come on bended knees. I am Mazi Odera POg JP, known as Mkpisi Ndi Egede or Dibia ónu ike.’
The Anambra based writer was referring to the recent sophisticated crime fighting equipment you added to what was already on ground.
If Odera, Pen Of The gods, was trembling over what the people of Enugu are already getting used to, one wonders what his reactions would be when he learns of your approval to constrct and reconstruct all urban roads in Enugu.
A government statement says this is in line with your administration’s target to pave all the roads in Enugu metropolis before the end of your first term in office.
“We have done the first phase, which was over 90 roads. We have also done phase two, which also exceeded the earlier planned 141 urban roads. So, we are now in phase three. Here, we are going to award contracts that will cover all the roads that are yet to be paved in Enugu metropolis.
“These roads cut across New GRA, Old GRA, Emene Zone, Abakpa Zone, Thinkers Corner, Airport Corner, Upper Meniru in Awkunanaw, Idaw River Layout, Gariki, Maryland, Achara Layout, Uwani, One Day and Upper One Day, Trans Ekulu, Independence Layout, Independence Layout Phase II, Coal Camp Zone, Pocket Layout, as well as Ogui and Asata Zone, among other places. We want to cover the uncovered areas roads in the Enugu metropolis,” he said.
Returning to your inaugural speech, I found answers to some questions.
You said; “For six months, I traversed the length and breadth of Enugu State visiting the 68 development centres. During this time, I listened to you, saw your challenges in the midst of considerable resources and felt your pains….
“There is no doubting Enugu’s capacity to recreate the iconic wonderment of economic prosperity and phenomenal growth witnessed in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. Our will is strong and unshakeable. We are also acutely aware that where there is a will, there is always a way. When their forebears conceived the models of Dubai and Singapore some few decades ago, they too began to sow their tomorrow like a tiny seed as we are doing today. At that moment, the conceivers of the dreams appeared like some theatre jesters. Today, those countries have become models of the wondrous depth of human capacity.
“We will pursue an infrastructural revolution in Enugu State by turning our state into one huge construction site. We will prioritize road construction and infrastructural renewal ensuring that our roads are well paved. Where necessary we shall construct flyovers and dualise roads as a remedy to any gridlocks.
“Our approach to tackling insecurity in Enugu State will be by adopting the kinetic and non-kinetic models and approaches. We will strengthen community policing architecture; neighbourhood watch and forest guards. In this mode, we will deploy modern technology such as CCTV cameras and others, as well as establishing a command-and-control centre in Enugu State, so as to track perpetrators of crime who we will pursue and bring to justice.
Your Excellency, you must be wondering where my problem with you lies.
It lies in your pace which appears too fast for so many people who never believed its possible.
It could be found in the fact that you are proving doubting Thomas’s wrong so early in the day.
It lies in records that may be difficult to match, especially for some of us who would want to be Governor tomorrow.
It also lies in Odera’s fears and alleged ‘intimidation.’
But, are these really problems?
If the answer is in the negative, then I ask to be forgiven for choice of words.
Yours Faithfully,
Petrus Obi.
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Enugu Community Cries To Gov Mbah, IGP Alleges Plan By ECTDA To Takeover Ancestral land
Fresh tension is brewing in Enugu South Local Government Area as the people of Obeagu Awkunanaw Community have raised alarm over alleged plans to forcefully take over their ancestral land and renewed markings on their buildings by officials said to be from the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA).
In separate petitions to Governor Peter Mbah, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Chairman of ECTDA, the community alleged a “renewed plot” to unleash mayhem and resume demolitions reminiscent of what they described as “the massive destruction and misery” of January 2024.
The petitions were jointly signed by Hon. Mike Ogbonna, President General; Reuben N. Okafor, Secretary General; and Chief Christian Egbo, Traditional Prime Minister of Obeagu Community.
In a strongly worded protest letter dated October 6, 2025, and addressed to the ECTDA Chairman, the community expressed shock over what they called “a worrisome development” involving unidentified persons who claimed to be officials from the authority and allegedly marked several structures in the area for removal.
“We were shocked, to say the least, when we observed a handful of persons who, without proper identification but upon our prodding later identified themselves as officials from your office, were sent to mark some of our structures for removal,” the community wrote.
“While we hope this is not a prelude to another round of demolition akin to the massive destruction and misery caused us by the very act of last year (2024), we still tenaciously hold the view that you acted deliberately to frustrate and render nugatory the prosecution of our pending suits,” the letter added.
The community reminded the ECTDA Chairman of pending court cases relating to the disputed land, particularly Suit No. E/1081/2019 and E/263/2020, both of which, they said, remain unresolved.
“Given all the processes and documents herein brought to your attention, you are now properly guided and well equipped to resist the temptation of taking further action or steps which are clearly subjudice and patently lawless,” the letter further read.
In another petition dated October 5, 2025, addressed to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the community raised what they described as an “S.O.S.” over alleged plans by the Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, retired DCP Olasoji Akinbayo, to deploy his men for a “forceful takeover” of their communal land in concert with “vicious land grabbers.”
“We alert Your Excellency to an information at our disposal to the effect that the Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, retired DCP Olasoji Akinbayo, acting in concert with some vicious land grabbers who are his friends, is allegedly mustering about four units of Forest Guard members under his command to invade our communal/ancestral land,” the petition stated.
The community accused the former police officer of having a long history of “victimization and brutalization” against them during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Enugu State Command.
“Our community was visibly placed under siege as the said retired DCP Olasoji, at the behest of his paymasters, the land grabbers, used truckloads of police officers to garrison our community, arresting and hurriedly arraigning some hapless members on trumped-up charges. Funnily, none of the charges was sustained in court,” the letter read.
While praising Governor Mbah for his “top-notch infrastructural and developmental strides,” the community urged him to investigate the alleged plot and call the Forest Guard Commander to order to avert what they described as “a looming breakdown of law and order.”
“Act fast, Sir, to avert any breakdown of law and order. A stitch in time saves nine,” they urged the governor.
Similarly, in a separate petition to the Inspector General of Police, also dated October 5, 2025, and copied to the AIG, FCID Annex, Enugu, the community expressed fears that retired DCP Olasoji was planning to use the Forest Guard as a substitute for the police to achieve his alleged objectives, following the IGP’s recent directive warning officers against involvement in land disputes.
“It is easy to discern that resort to the members of the Forest Guard by retired DCP Olasoji and his co-conspirators is certainly as a result of your stern warning to members of the Police Force against interference in land matters,” the petition read.
“We strongly believe the source of information about this pending attack against our community as it were, by retired DCP Olasoji, to be reliable, credible and actionable,” it added.
As of the time of filing this report, none of the accused parties, the ECTDA, the Forest Guard Commander, or the Enugu State Government, had officially responded to the allegations.
Good Morning Mr Governor
Enugu Community alleges gang-up against Suspended Monarch, Seeks Gov Mbah’s Intervention
…I have done nothing to deserve suspension – Igwe Ikenna
The people of Amankanu Community in Nkanu East LGA, Enugu State have protested against the recent suspension of their traditional ruler seeking the intervention of Governor Peter Mbah.
The aggrieved villagers including youths, elders and women gathered at the market square Monday to express anger over the development.
They have also appealed to the Governor to intervene and stop those allegedly trying to instigate crisis in Amankanu.
The villagers carried placards with inscriptions such as: “Igwe Okeke Arum, leave Amankanu community alone!, A tyrant from Owo cannot take over a peaceful community!, Igwe cannot be suspended without trial!, Leave our king alone!,
They also fingered the Commissioner for Chieftaincy, Hon. Okey Ogbodo as part of the gang up against the community and their traditional ruler.
Speaking at the rally, the oldest man in Amankanu, Elias Ogbodo-Ani, stated that Igwe Bennett had never wronged his people but had instead sacrificed his personal resources to ensure peace and unity in the community.
“Igwe Amankanu is Ezeudo; he does not rule with force but leads with wisdom. I urge the government to disregard the false information being spread by enemies of our community who want to take over Amankanu and oppress us.
“We want our Igwe to continue leading us until his natural death, like other monarchs. In any contest, one person must win. Igwe won fairly and has never forcefully taken anyone’s land since assuming the throne.
“He was the one who built the two bridges that our community uses to cross the river, even before he became Igwe. Those plotting to remove him should be careful because it is God who makes kings.”
The women leader, Mrs. Uchenna Ngene, expressed disappointment over what she described as an evil plot to remove Igwe Bennett stressing that no one else was fit to wear the crown.
The youth leader, Livinus Agbo, also appealed to Governor Mbah to set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations against Igwe Bennett before taking any action.
He further called on the Governor to intervene and order the so-called “Hunter Association”, set up by the traditional ruler of Mburu-Owo in Amankanu, to leave their land.
“We, the youths, have never seen or heard that Igwe Bennett forcefully took anyone’s land or sold it for personal gain. The money realized from the only land that was sold was shared among the five kindreds under government supervision.
“We are asking the government to come to our aid. A traditional ruler cannot go to another community, set up a security outfit, arm them, and call them ‘Hunters’ with the intent to intimidate us.
“Okeke Arum has been using this security outfit to arrest our youths, yet we have remained silent to maintain peace. But let it not be assumed that our silence is weakness. We do not want what happened in Oruku to happen here. The only security outfits we recognize are the Neighborhood Watch and the Forest Guard. The so-called ‘Hunters’ security force should leave our land,” he said.
Speaking, the traditional ruler HRH Igwe Bennett Ikenna defended his position saying, “I have not done anything to deserve suspension as the traditional ruler of Amankanu. If anyone has evidence of my wrongdoing, let them bring it forward.”
He refuted allegations made by Dr. George Nwachi, the traditional ruler of Mburu-Owo Autonomous Community, HRH Igwe Okeke Arum, and others, describing them as “lies from the pit of hell.”
To prove his innocence, the traditional has suggested an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the matter and urged Governor Mbah to engage both parties to uncover the truth.
“I have not committed any wrongdoing in Amankanu; rather, I stand firmly to protect my people from land grabbers. Now, I am accused of being a land grabber and of high-handedness towards my people by those trying to instigate chaos in our community. They claim to be the governor’s brothers, but as long as we are from Nkanu East, we are all his brothers.
“George Nwachi is a major problem in our community. He never visits, yet he colludes with others to write petitions against me. I challenge the people of Amankanu: if I have ever sold anyone’s land and pocketed the money, let them present the evidence.
“I am saying this so the world can hear me. I cannot allow anybody to overrule my community or impose leadership on us. Is there any contest where a winner does not emerge? Peter Mbah and Edoga contested the governorship of Enugu State, and Mbah won. Should Edeoga now dictate to Mbah? The same applies here—they are trying to remove me without cause. I have wronged no one.
“If there are issues in this community, they are caused by those who never return home. I know the problems of my people. The land they claim I grabbed was mapped out for a secondary school. Can a school or market be built in the air?
“I have not wronged anyone, but Okeke Arum vowed—even before Peter Mbah took office—that he would remove me as the traditional ruler of Amankanu. I am saying this so the world can hear me. The governor is our governor and brother. No one can deny the progress Peter Mbah has brought to Enugu State, especially to Amankanu. If someone had told me a road would pass through Amankanu, I wouldn’t have believed it, but today, Peter Mbah has made it a reality.
“When my people wanted to protest at the Government House, I stopped them because I did not want it to seem like we were opposing the government or causing trouble. I am content with what the governor is doing in the state.
The monarch however accused Arum of allegedly setting up security outfit called ‘hunters’ in Amankanu, where he is incharge, to allegedly perfect his evil intention,, regretting that he has been using them to attack and arrest his people.
He also alleged that Arum connived with Hon Okey Ogbodo to set up town union caretaker committee of Amankanu at Ogbodo’s office without his consent as the traditional ruler.
Observations: It is our humble submission that this matter deserves a closer look by His Excellency.
The idea of an independent panel as suggested in the community’s appeal may be considered. This would provide a level platform for all to be heard.
May it please Your Excellency.
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