Residents seek peace as community elects new monarch

The residents of Nsugbe community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State are seeking peace as they elect a new traditional ruler. The Caretaker Committee, set up by the Anambra State Government, appealed for peace on Sunday. The committee suspended the Nsugbe Town Union in August 2026 over allegations and established itself to restore peace and conduct the election.

The crisis began when the traditional stool was moved to Ivite village, leading to agitations by prominent politicians. The committee decided to abandon the delegate system and allow every eligible person from Ivite to vote. The Attorney General of the state, Tobechukwu Nweke, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Vin Ezeaka, were not involved in the election process.

A preservative order was issued by Justice Jude Obiora, preventing any election or selection of an Igwe until the case was decided. The newly-elected traditional ruler, Chief John Nweke, was formally recognized by the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on Tuesday. The state government's intervention aims to ensure peace and allow the people to choose their traditional ruler without further conflict.