Igweship tussle in Enugu community deepens as ESUT confirms sacking contender, Obiora Ngwu
Chieftaincy Dispute in Umuogbo-Agu Community Intensifies Amid Allegations of Past Misconduct
A chieftaincy dispute in the Umuogbo-Agu Autonomous Community of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu State, has escalated following revelations regarding one of the principal figures involved, Mr. Obiora Simon Ngwu. Reports indicate that Ngwu was dismissed from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) in 2012 due to an alleged admission scam.
Documents obtained from ESUT confirm that Ngwu, who served as a Library Assistant, was terminated following investigations into his involvement in illegal admission practices that affected over 500 students, all of whom were expelled once the fraudulent scheme was uncovered. This information was detailed in an official letter from ESUT’s Registrar, Mr. Ambrose Ugwu, dated January 26, 2026, and released in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act.
The legal dispute centers around the traditional leadership of Umuogbo-Agu, where Chief Sylvester Ali has accused certain community leaders of producing a forged constitution to manipulate the selection of a traditional ruler. Ali, who claims to be the duly nominated traditional ruler-elect from the Umunasa quarter, has made these allegations in court filings against Ngwu and others.
The ongoing case, identified as Suit No. EZ/10/2025 in the Enugu State High Court, includes claims from plaintiffs Ichie Alphonsus Okoro and Ichie Simeon Okoro representing the Umuonoda-Eze Clan. Ali contends that the community’s traditional leadership is supposed to rotate among its four quarters: Umuokpuye, Umuowaa, Umuaana, and Umunasa, according to an established constitutional agreement.
Ali alleges that the amended constitution lacks valid community approval, having been produced in collaboration with external parties. He asserts that key provisions were altered, some quarters were excluded from the leadership rotation, and signatures of deceased individuals appear on the document.
In his statement, Ali emphasized that no legitimate Igwe election has occurred within the community and called for judicial intervention to restore order. He warned that any attempt to recognize an Igwe-elect outside the agreed-upon process could lead to further instability.
Meanwhile, Ali stated that the community had previously presented their case to the Commissioner for Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo. He claims the commissioner had assured adherence to the community’s constitution as recorded in official documents.
Another community member, Mr. Gilbert Ugwu, also critiqued the situation, attributing the origins of the crisis to certain individuals residing abroad. Ugwu recounted his own experiences of being obstructed from assuming a leadership role due to these external influences.
As the situation unfolds, attempts to reach Ngwu for comment have been unsuccessful. Messages and calls by reporters seeking his response regarding the allegations and his dismissal from ESUT have gone unanswered.
The High Court case remains ongoing, and community members continue to express concerns about the potential impact of the dispute on the social fabric of Umuogbo-Agu.
