Chieftaincy tussle: Tension in Enugu community over alleged disobedience to court order

There is tension in Umuekwune Obollo-Afor autonomous community in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State over alleged plan to conduct Igweship election despite a court order stopping the action.

Feelers show that the people of the area have vowed to resist what they termed planned imposition of a monarch.

They accused the Enugu State Commissioner for chieftaincy matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo of ignoring the court order.

Ogbodo was alleged to have fixed November 4, 2024 (this coming Monday) to conduct the said election despite acknowledgement of a court order restraining the ministry from such action by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Addressing journalists in Enugu on Saturday, a community leader, Chief Arua Melitus who was flanked by other members of the community, expressed shock over such audacity to violate the court order.

He said the ministry was served and they acknowledged receiving the order on the 23rd September, 2024.

He further explained that the ministry was asking the court to vacate the order, which has not been granted.

He wondered why the Commissioner is insisting on going ahead with what he called illegality.

“This is the first of it’s kind. When I heard that he was going to conduct the election, I thought it was a joke.

“I know Governor Peter Mbah did not instruct him to do what he is about doing, because he is a lawyer and understands what it means that a matter is in court.

“The Governor should know those that mean well for him. The Commissioner should be called to order immediately,” he appealed.

Melitus, while urging the people of the community to remain calm, said no one would accept the outcome of such imposition in a democratic society.

He called on the governor, security agencies, religious bodies and human rights organization to hold the Commissioner responsible for any breakdown of law and order in the area.

Meanwhile, a foremost leader of the community, Prince M.O Agu assured members of the community that the law must surely take its course.