Enugu community protests imposition of monarch, town union president

‘Nnaji meets requirement to ascend Igweship stool’

People of the newly created Enu-Agu Autonomous Community, Akpugo, in Nkanu West Local Council of Enugu State, have asked the state government to intervene in the controversy surrounding the Igweship stool in the community.

They opposed the alleged recognition of Mr Sylvester Nnaji as the community’s traditional ruler. However, the supporters of Nnaji and others urged the state government to disregard the protesters, saying they were hired to create confusion in the community.

Gregory Edeh, who spoke for the group, stated that the recognition of Nnaji was in order, stressing that he met every “requirement to ascend the Igweship stool of the community”.

The protesters, numbering hundreds, included men, women and youths. They marched to the state House of Assembly before moving to the Government House, clutching placards with various inscriptions depicting their grievances.

They demanded the nullification of the letter of recognition given to Nnaji as the Igwe-elect of the community. The national chairman and secretary of the Enu Agu community, Chief Steven Aninnenji and Mr Gabriel Edeh, described the alleged recognition as an infringement of the traditional selection process in Enugu State.

They appealed to Governor Peter Mba to constitute a panel of enquiry into the matter to allow justice, rule of law and equity to prevail in the community.

The Guardian learnt that the controversy began after former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi created the Enu-Agu Autonomous Community in May 2023 before leaving office.

It was further learnt that the community members were on the verge of coming together after its creation to discuss and agree on the code of conduct that governs the selection, installation and discipline of the traditional ruler of Enu-Agu to be installed before some individuals allegedly went and presented themselves as the leaders of the community to be recognised.

They said: “These individuals are doing everything within their powers to impose themselves on the good people of the Enu-Agu community and rule over them without their consent. The disposition of these men does not accord with democratic principles, the traditional rulers’ law of Enugu State, or the laws governing town unions.

“Furthermore, Enu-Agu Autonomous Community Akpugo, Nkanu West is made up of 20 families – one major family is made up of 20 families while a minor family is made up of two families, but the two minor families went behind to hijack both the traditional ruler and town union of Enu-Agu community without the consent of the other major families of 20, though we broke down the names of the families in the attached community resolution in this report.

“It is on the above premises that we implore you, Commissioner, to use your good offices to intervene and ensure that the new Autonomous Community is not thrown into a political and leadership crisis which could engender a total breakdown of law and order.”

Responding to the protesters, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, who was represented by Ede Magnus, a member representing Aninri State Constituency, promised to intervene in the matter for a quick and peaceful resolution.

He said: “You know that we are here for the people, and we are here to speak for the people, to defend the defenceless. So, in a situation like this, we must show keen interest.

“We are happy, and thank you all for remaining peaceful. We will bring everyone involved together to resolve the issue peacefully.

“I give applause to your representatives for ensuring that you remain peaceful. Even if we meet the governor, you know he loves peace. He’ll want to see how you conducted yourselves.

“Be assured that we will not support any impostors who claim to be your Igwe and President General.”