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Urgent concerns have been raised by the Concerned Citizens of Obuno Uno Autonomous Community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. They are calling on the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, led by Igwe Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu, to convene a panel of enquiry to thoroughly investigate the purported imposition of a traditional ruler on their community.
The Eastern Updates highlights escalated tension within the community, as the heightened unease is linked to the deliberations on selecting a new traditional ruler.
In response to the current situation, concerned citizens are urging the Council of Traditional Rulers to intervene promptly, aiming to prevent a potential crisis and reestablish the public’s confidence and respect for traditional institutions.
According to the group, ‘the call was as a result of the recent purported presentation of certificate of recognition to Chief Jack Nwatu as the traditional ruler of Obuno Uno, by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Local Government and Rural Development, Deacon Okey Ogbodo with violation of the procedure.’
Their demand, made available to The Eastern Updates on Wednesday, was signed by Chief Godwin Chukwuemeka Ogbodo, the leader of the group.
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While expressing disappointment over the attitude of the commissioner, they said no verification nor election of any sort took place in their community for the Igweship stool before the purported presentation of certificate of recognition.
They further clarified that allowing such impunity would set a bad precedent for the recruitment process of traditional rulers in Enugu State and South-East in general, which would in turn throw many communities into avoidable crisis.
They accused Ogbodo of contempt of court, alleging that ‘he presented the certificate in defiance to the pendency of suits on the matter- No. E/132/2019, E/30m/2020 and HAG 13/2022.’
They said whereas Ogbodo claimed to have gotten approval from the governor, their investigation showed that to be untrue as ‘the governor is a lawyer and who believes in following due process of law in resolving issues.’
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Enugu State had, in the past, called for the suspension of Commissioner Ogbodo. This request stemmed from allegations of flagrant abuse of office, promotion, and the fomenting of crises in various communities.
In addition, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations demanded the immediate withdrawal of the purported certificate of return issued by the commissioner.
