Tension in Enugu Community Over Planned Traditional Ruler Election Amid Court Cases

Community leaders allege that the planned poll is proceeding despite two ongoing court cases related to Chieftaincy and town union matters in the community

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May 22, 2026 - 13:01

Tension in Enugu Community Over Planned Traditional Ruler Election Amid Court Cases

Map of Enugu State showing the 17 local government areas

A planned traditional ruler election in Ameke Oduma Autonomous Community, Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, has sparked concern among residents and stakeholders who say the process risks escalating existing disputes.

The Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs has scheduled an Igweship election in the community for Saturday, May 23, 2026.

But community leaders allege that the planned poll is proceeding despite two ongoing court cases related to Chieftaincy and town union matters in the community.

According to documents and statements reviewed, one of the cases concerning the stool of the traditional ruler is pending before the Court of Appeal in Enugu in Suit No: CA/135/2019; and second case, Suit No: E/1068/2025, was reportedly heard before Justice C.A. Ogbuabor of the Enugu State High Court.

The High Court had issued an injunction restraining Hon. Nelson Chibuzor Mbah from parading himself as President-General of the community’s town union; while stakeholders also allege that the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ada-John Nwoye, engaged in correspondence with the restrained town union faction to facilitate the election.

Community leaders argue that a valid chieftaincy election requires a duly constituted town union executive, and say proceeding now could undermine the legal process.

Efforts to reach the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and Commissioner Dr. COC Egungbe for comment were unsuccessful at press time.

Residents and elders say they had written to the Ministry on April 20 and May 11 to express their concerns, but say they received no response. They are now appealing to Governor Peter Mbah to intervene and to involve security agencies to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The stakeholders also stated their continued support for the governor’s administration, citing ongoing infrastructural projects across the state.

The Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs has not announced any change to the planned election.