Igweship election: Tension soaks Enugu community over alleged moves to jettison constitution

Tensions are rising in the Ozom Mgbagbu Owa Autonomous community, located in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, due to alleged attempts to bypass the community's constitution during the selection of a new traditional ruler. His Royal Highness, Igwe Raymond Oguji, had been the ruler until his passing years ago. The community had been eagerly awaiting the election of a new leader, scheduled for October 10, 2026. However, recent confusion has arisen as to who is eligible to contest the election.

The President-General of the community, Ozo Ikechukwu Ike, allegedly posted a voice note on the community's WhatsApp page, claiming to relay a directive from the State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs. According to the message, only candidates from Umuagba would be allowed to participate in the election. The community's President-General claimed he was following instructions from the Director of Chieftaincy Affairs in the ministry, Mr. Alex Ngene.

However, this purported directive has caused widespread unease, with many community members labeling it as a plot to ignite unrest.

An indigene of the area who spoke to journalists in confidence claimed that the alleged directive from the ministry was an invitation to chaos. He mentioned that community members had previously met with the Enugu State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Barr. C.C. Egumgbe, where he confirmed that it was the Ezedume Council Ward's turn to produce the next Igwe.

This is due to the rotational nature of the stool, which rotates among the ten council wards. Since the last Igwe was from the eighth council ward, the next one should come from the ninth quarter, Ezedume.

The community's constitution clearly states that the succession to the Igwe's position is rotational based on seniority in respect of the ten wards. A selection committee is to be set up by the General Assembly of Ozom Mgbagbu-Owa to screen candidates from the appropriate council ward. The chosen candidate would then be presented to the General Assembly for ratification.

Despite this, there is now confusion in the community due to the alleged counter-directive, which the people say is contrary to their constitution. Local residents told the media that they do not believe the government, represented by the commissioner, intends to destabilize their community. They argue that the commissioner's proclaimed meeting with the community, where he affirmed that it was Ezedume's turn, contradicts the counter-directive.

The community is urging the government not to allow individuals with malicious intentions to incite unrest by disregarding the provisions of their constitution. They are using this opportunity to appeal to the commissioner to disassociate himself from the alleged directive to quell the escalating tension in their community.