There is disquiet in Umuchigbo Iji Nike Autonomous Community, in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, following an alleged illegal appointment of a traditional ruler for the community.
DAILY POST reports that tension is building up in the area after reports emerged that a staff of office has been presented to the said ‘appointed monarch’.
According to the community’s constitution, a traditional ruler is to emerge through election.
However, reports that one Jude Agu has been named a traditional ruler without election has soaked the community with tension.
During a gathering at the community’s village square, which attracted hundreds of indigenes, they unanimously declared that they have no traditional ruler yet pending when an election is conducted.
They are urging Enugu State Governor, Barr Peter Mbah to order the State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to do the proper thing in the community by conducting an election.
Agu’s reported appointment is also said to be in alleged violation of an existing court order, some persons were said to have gone ahead to allegedly name a traditional ruler for the community without any form of election.
An order of an Enugu State High court, dated 25th day of July, 2025 had granted an injunction restraining the 1st Respondent from parading or holding himself out as the Igwe or Igwe Elect of Umuchigbo Iji Nike Autonomous Community pending the hearing and determination of the Substantive Suit.
The parties in the suit included: Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete, as Plaintiff, while Chief Jude
