Umuchigbo Protests Alleged Imposed Igwe, Demands for Poll

‎Umuchigbo Iji Nike in Enugu protests alleged imposition of Jude Agu as traditional ruler, demands credible election per constitution.

There was tension in Umuchigbo Iji Nike Autonomous Community in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Thursday.

Scores of indigenes took to the streets to protest what they called a plot to impose Jude Agu as their traditional ruler.

The protesters said the fight is not about who becomes Igwe. It is about protecting their right to choose their leader freely.

The crowd, made up of elders, youths and traditional title holders, gathered at the community square. They carried placards and chanted solidarity songs.

According to them, Umuchigbo Iji Nike has no recognised traditional ruler at the moment. They insisted that only a free and transparent election can produce a legitimate Igwe.

They called on Governor Peter Mbah to intervene. They want the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to come and conduct a proper election in line with the community’s constitution.

The protest followed reports that Agu had been presented as the new traditional ruler of the community.

The indigenes described the move as unconstitutional. They warned that imposing a ruler could destroy the peace the community has enjoyed for years.

The protesters also referred to a court order restraining Agu from parading himself as Igwe.

The interlocutory injunction was issued by the Enugu State High Court on July 25, 2025. Justice A.A. Onovo gave the order in Suit No. E/491/2023.

The suit was filed by Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete against Jude Agu and Kenneth Mbah. The court directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the substantive matter is decided.

The community said any recognition of a traditional ruler before the court judgment would violate both their constitution and the existing court order.

Speaking during the protest, community elder, Chief Gabriel Okoh, accused the immediate past Town Union Chairman, Kenneth Mbah, of frustrating a democratic process.

He said Umuchigbo people are against imposition and want an open contest at the village square.

"All we want is an election. If Jude Agu wants to be Igwe, he should come to the village square and contest like every other aspirant," Okoh stated.

Youth leader, Anthony Ikechukwu Anike, also warned that imposing a monarch will divide the community.

He noted that the matter is still in court and wondered why someone is being paraded as having received a staff of office.

"We will pursue every legal means to protect our rights. The government should conduct a transparent election before this situation degenerates," Anike said.

Retired Permanent Secretary and one of the aspirants, Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete, said the constitution of Umuchigbo is clear. The Igwe must emerge through a transparent election.

According to him, the demand is simple. The Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs should conduct an election as it has done in other communities.

"We are not against anybody becoming the Igwe. We are only saying anyone who wants the throne should submit to a transparent election," Ekete said.

Other aspirants, Chief Joseph Iloka and Chief Josephat Ezeoha, also backed the call for a credible poll. They insisted that the people must be allowed to freely choose their traditional ruler without external interference.

Residents say they are hopeful that the rule of law will prevail and that peace will be maintained in Umuchigbo Iji Nike.