Anambra monarch begs Soludo to intervene in crisis rocking community, denies involvement
Traditional Ruler Appeals for Intervention Amid Community Dispute
Umuawulu, Anambra State – HRM Igwe Dr. Joel Maduadichie Egwuonwu, the traditional ruler of Umuawulu in Awka South Local Government Area, has urged Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to intervene in a land ownership dispute affecting the community.
The conflict involves two villages, Enugwu and Umuenu quarters, and has reportedly resulted in at least one death and numerous arrests. While the Igwe hails from Umuenu Quarter, he maintains that he has remained neutral throughout the ongoing tensions.
Recent protests by residents of Enugwu Quarter, however, have accused the monarch of bias, alleging that he supports his home quarter. In a press conference on Friday, Igwe Egwuonwu firmly reiterated his impartiality, stating that he lacks the authority to influence the dispute, which is currently pending in court.
“I am a man of peace,” he said. “I want to also say that I’m a father to everyone in Umuawulu, and I cannot take sides. My only offense here is that I come from Umuenu, one of the disputing quarters. I have maintained the neutrality expected of a father whose children are involved in a family disagreement.”
Igwe Egwuonwu clarified that his press conference was intended to dispel the allegations against him and not to determine the rightful owner of the disputed land. He explained that a physical altercation had occurred between the two quarters regarding land ownership, which resulted in injuries and police intervention.
“What happened was that there was a physical confrontation between the two quarters about the disputed land, which led to some people sustaining machete cuts, and as you know, the police came and arrested those involved. How was that my cause?” he added.
The traditional ruler appealed for a resolution to the conflict and urged the indigenes of Umuawulu to avoid actions that could jeopardize harmony and unity in the community. He expressed hope that the ongoing legal proceedings would lead to a lasting solution to the dispute.
