The Obimo community in Nsukka Local Government Area, comprising four quarters—Agbor, Akutara, Akpotoro, and Ikwoka—recently gathered at a town hall meeting organized by the Obimo Town Union to chart a way forward in electing a new Igwe, their traditional ruler. The position has remained vacant since the passing of His Royal Highness, Igwe Spencer Ugwuoke, the Enyiduru 1 of Obimo, who ruled for 43 years. During his reign Obimo Community was split into three Autonomous communities:Obimo , Ajuona Obimo and Eziani Autonomous Communities.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Sunday Ezike, the President General of Obimo Town Union, welcomed attendees from across the country. He shared updates on community projects since his administration began in 2021 and emphasized the need for financial contributions from all quarters to sustain the union’s operations. Mr. Ezike stressed the urgency of electing a new Igwe, noting that the responsibilities of the Town Union president General differ from those of the Igwe. He further explained that the absence of a traditional ruler puts the community at a disadvantage since both the town union and chieftaincy affairs fall under separate government bodies: the Department of Rural Development and Department of Chieftaincy Matters under the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters, and Rural Development.
Stakeholders Debate Election Process
Representatives from the four quarters shared their views on how to elect the new Igwe. Comrade Samson Ugwuoke, speaking for Agbor Quarter, suggested that the union should formally notify the Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters about the vacancy and request further guidance. This proposal gained support from Hon. Malachy Onyechi, a member of the Enugu State Assembly representing Nsukka West Constituency, and Professor Osodu Eze from Akutara Quarter.
However, Chief Patrick Ugwu of Akpotoro Quarter raised concerns about using rotation or zoning formulas in this current election of Igwe. He argued that the process should be open to all qualified candidates, and the elected Igwe should draft a constitution within three months that reflects the interests of all quarters. High Chief Titus Dike from Ikwoka Quarter backed Chief Ugwu’s position.
Opposition to Ezeship
The meeting also addressed the contentious issue of Ezeship. Barrister Forster Ugwuoke criticized attempts to coronate an Eze instead of an Igwe, insisting that Obimo’s governance system does not recognize Ezeship. He warned that introducing both titles in the same community would create confusion and lead to conflict. He recalled a crisis in 1986 when efforts to crown the late Igwe Spencer Ugwuoke as Eze sparked violence, resulting in property damage and threats to the Igwe’s life.
Chief Stephen Onyedioranma Ezema, a former Town Union president, echoed these concerns, citing similar conflicts over Ezeship in other communities like Opi in Nsukka and Abi in Uzo Uwani Local Government Areas. Dr. Erastus Okoli, a stakeholder from Agbor Quarter, further criticized plans to coronate an Eze on December 24, 2024, without consulting the community widely. He warned against proceeding with such plans and urged a focus on selecting an Igwe as the community’s legitimateTraditional Ruler.
Call for Unity and Next Steps
During the meeting, Prof. Ogbonna Sam Onyeisi (mni), a Royal High Chief, member Late Igwe’s Cabinet, and Senior Enugu Government official, led a moment of silence in honor of the late Igwe Spencer Ugwuoke. He expressed gratitude to those who braved the rain to attend and encouraged prayers of the people of the community for divine guidance in their preparation to elect the next Igwe of Obimo.
Hon. Cordelia Odugwu, a counselor representing Obimo/Ikwoka Ward, commended the successful conduct of the meeting and urged the community members to maintain this spirit of unity in future gatherings.
The meeting concluded with a resolution to inform the Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters about the vacant Igwe position and seek official direction on the election process. Prof. Ernest Ugwuoke delivered the vote of thanks, and the motion to adjourn was moved by Chief Stephen Ezema and seconded by Hon. Cordelia Odugwu. Prof Ugwuoke also said the closing prayers.