Tension is mounting in Isiagu Akpawfu autonomous community, Nkanu East Local Council of Enugu State, over alleged attempts to install a traditional ruler without conducting an election as stipulated in the community’s constitution.

It was learnt that the matter of who should occupy the throne among three contestants, previously screened and approved by the community’s executive, is pending before the Court of Appeal in Enugu.

Despite the unresolved legal dispute, one of the contestants, Tony Ike Okoye, is reportedly parading a “Certificate of Recognition” as the community’s traditional ruler. This development has sparked rejection from locals.

One of the contestants, Chief James Ede Ogbu, disclosed that he had been disqualified for not being a native of the community, an allegation he dismissed as baseless.

“I am from Umu-Ogaa kindred, in Obodo Onovo Nwowo village. Being told that I am not from the autonomous community is funny and laughable,” Ogbu said.

He alleged that his family name had been deliberately omitted from the community’s register to exclude him from the Igweship election, describing the move as a conspiracy. He emphasised that, according to the community’s constitution, a monarch could only emerge through election, not imposition.

Ogbu further claimed that an injunction obtained by Okoye halted the electoral process, and despite appealing the judgement, Okoye was recognised as the traditional ruler on April 26, 2025, even as the case remained unresolved in court.

Calling on Governor Peter Mbah to intervene, Ogbu said: “I feel cheated and oppressed. I urge the governor to look into this matter and ensure justice prevails.”

The Assistant Secretary of the town union, Mr Ibezimako Ede Stephen, corroborated Ogbu’s claims, dismissing assertions that Ogbu was not from the community as false.

“Conscience is an open wound that only truth can heal. We do not want the government to recognise anybody as Igwe for now. We want to choose our Igwe through an election,” Stephen said.

Reacting, Okoye said he would not engage with Ogbu and others at this time.

Efforts to contact the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Okey Ogbodo, were unsuccessful.