Tension is reportedly mounting in Ozom Mgbagbu Owa Autonomous Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State over an alleged move to set aside the community’s constitution in the process of selecting a new traditional ruler.
The traditional stool became vacant following the death of the former monarch, Igwe Raymond Oguji, with the community now preparing for the selection of his successor.
The election has reportedly been scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026. However, disagreement has emerged over which section of the community is qualified to produce the next traditional ruler.
The controversy followed a voice note allegedly posted by the community’s President-General, Ozo Ikechukwu Ike, on the community’s WhatsApp platform. In the recording, the President-General reportedly said only candidates from Umuagba would participate in the election, claiming that the directive came from the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs through its Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Alex Ngene.
The alleged directive has sparked concern among some indigenes, who argue that it conflicts with the rotational arrangement contained in the community’s constitution.
According to the community’s constitution, the stool of the Igwe is to rotate among the 10 wards based on seniority. The section whose turn it is is expected to conduct an open contest and present candidates for screening and ratification.
Community members who spoke on the matter also referred to an earlier meeting with the Enugu State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister C.C. Egumgbe, where, according to them, the commissioner affirmed that Ezedume Council Ward was next in line to produce the traditional ruler.
The claim is based on the reported rotational sequence, which places Ezedume as the ninth ward after the previous monarch emerged from the eighth ward.
One indigene, who spoke on condition of anonymity, appealed to the state government to clarify the situation and prevent the disagreement from escalating.
The indigene questioned the alleged directive restricting the contest to Umuagba, saying it appeared inconsistent with the community’s constitutional provisions and the position reportedly expressed by the commissioner during the earlier meeting.
The community member also urged the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs to publicly clarify whether he authorised the alleged directive and called on all parties to follow the community’s constitution in selecting the next monarch.
As of the time of this report, there was no independent confirmation of the alleged directive attributed to the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs.
The controversy comes days before the scheduled October 10 election, with residents and stakeholders awaiting clarification from the relevant authorities on the applicable process for selecting the next traditional ruler.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
