Enugu Govt Intervenes in Isikwe Achi Crisis, Warns Igwe, Town Union

The Enugu State Government has intervened in the leadership crisis in Isikwe Achi Autonomous Community, Oji River Local Government Area, and warned all parties to respect the state’s Chieftaincy and Town Union laws.

The intervention followed a petition by the community’s Town Union and some indigenes against the traditional ruler, Igwe Chuks Obinna Mbaeriachi.

The petitioners accused the Igwe of alleged high-handedness, abuse of authority, unilateral decisions and interference in the affairs of the Town Union. They also alleged that he failed to constitute an Igwe-in-Council and took control of some community resources.

The petitioners further accused him of creating a parallel youth organisation and interfering with the community’s neighbourhood-watch structure.

However, Igwe Mbaeriachi denied the allegations, describing them as false. He said the youth organisation was simply a revival of an existing group and was not a militia.

Government Calls for Peace

The Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Charles Egumgbe, invited the Igwe, President-General and other stakeholders to an Alternative Dispute Resolution meeting.

After hearing both sides, the Commissioner warned that the government would not tolerate anything capable of disrupting peace in the community.

He explained that the Igwe is the ceremonial head and custodian of culture and traditions, while the President-General is responsible for the administration of the Town Union.

“The state law as it concerns the traditional institution is supreme,” Egumgbe said.

He also stated that community security vehicles should remain under the Town Union and called for transparency and accountability in the management of community resources.

The Commissioner urged the Igwe and Town Union leadership to return home, reconcile and work together for the development of the community.

The President-General and other community leaders welcomed government intervention, insisting that their main demand was peace, proper administration and respect for the law.

They appealed to the government to ensure that the roles of the traditional ruler and Town Union leadership are clearly respected to prevent further conflict in the community.