The people of Umuogbo-Agu Autonomous Community in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State have dismissed media reports alleging a serious crisis over the community’s chieftaincy stool, describing the claims as unfounded.
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They were reacting to earlier allegations made by a faction of the Enugu community, which had addressed journalists days earlier and raised concerns against the traditional ruler.
In a statement signed by prominent Enugu community leaders, they insisted that there is no dispute within the community and reaffirmed that Chief Obiora Ngwu remains their undisputed traditional ruler.
The statement was signed by Innocent Mba, PG Town Union, HRH Obiora Simon Ngwu, Igwe of Umuogbo-Agu, Ichie Mathew Ali, Speaker of the Elders Council, Chinedu Ekeh, President Abroad Union, and Chief Barnabas Ali, President Youth.
Other signatories include Christopher Abugu, Secretary Town Union, High Chief Michael Ugwuanyi, Onowu of Umuogbo-Agu, Raphael Onyekaozuru Agbo, Nwa Onyeishi, Elias Odugwu, Chief Security Officer, High Chief Olisaemeka Ugwunze, Youth Leader.
According to the statement from Enugu, “We have one legally and duly elected Igwe in our autonomous community. His name is HRH Igwe Obiorah Simon Ngwu (Ohabueze II).
“We have one constitution, as a standard the constitution go through the review procedure when there is need to improve it and make it serve us better.
“Prior to 2012 the constitution had a provision for open contest by the four clans: Umunasa, Umuowa, Umuokpuye and Umuana to elect our Igwe, this practice encouraged violence and disunity; to entrench unity, peace and reduce violence, it was reviewed to do the election by ballot for the remaining three clans that hadn’t produced an Igwe. The Igwe then was Igwe Silas Ujah of Umuana, so the ballot was for Umunasa, Umuowa and Umuokpuye.
“The reviewed constitution was used by Igwe Silas Ujah of Umuana to run our community for over ten years. When he joined his ancestors, the same constitution was used for his burial and funeral ceremonies.
“Currently there is an ongoing work by the Constitution Review Committee to improve on our constitution; to make it more effective and take care of emerging issues.
“The election of our Igwe went through due process, all stakeholders including Sylvester Ali aka Silver Gold, were present at the Town Hall meeting where ballot was administered for Umunasa, Umuowa and Umuokpuye. The Umuokpuye was very fortunate to pick the right ballot.
“At this juncture, Umuokpuye had ninety days to present a suitable and acceptable candidate for the stool.
“Chief Alphonsus Okoro and Chief Obiorah Ngwu were the key contestants for the throne. The contest took the community stakeholders to the office of the Honourable Commissioner for LGAs, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs 3(three) times for intervention and guidance..
“The Commissioner ordered for an election for Chief Alphonsus Okoro and Chief Obiorah Ngwu. The election was observed and supervised by a team from the Ministry.
“The result of the election gave victory to Chief Obiorah Ngwu. The Ministry thereafter issued a certificate of Observation and Return to Chief Obiorah Ngwu as the Igwe of the Umuogbo-Agu autonomous community.
“Furthermore, our Igwe Obiorah Ngwu of Enugu was crowned by the Onyeishi Onyeije Nwagbo, who is the eldest man in our community and from Umuokpuye clan.
“Let it be on record and clear that Sylvester Ali didn’t present himself as an aspirant, contestant or candidate to the stool of Igwe of Umuogbo-Agu autonomous community; his clan Umunasa didn’t win the ballot.
“To say that he is the Igwe of our community in Enugu is extreme mischief, laughable, distortion and deliberate action to undermine constituted authority and to undermine the security of our community.”
While accusing Sylvester Ali and his group of engaging in acts of violence and other negative activities, the Enugu community leaders said they have made submissions to the law enforcement agencies.
The Enugu further stated that: “His family has never contributed to the development of the community and don’t pay any community levy.
“The Community has fined him more than three times for his negative antecedents; he hasn’t redeemed any of the fines, currently his family is banned from our Town Union General Assembly meeting, Elders in Council meeting at the Onyeishi place and Abroad Union meeting-can this character be Igwe?
“The long arm of law will soon catch up with him and his cohorts. It is necessary to highlight that Sylvester Ali aka Silver Gold, is known to declare himself Igwe. He declared himself Igwe when he lost out to our late Igwe Silas Ujah.”
“His Royal Majesty Igwe Obiorah Simon Ngwu, the Igwe of our community is on the throne and already running our community. He has the support, blessing and loyalty of over 99 percent of the stakeholders and villagers.
“All the organs: The Elders Council, Town Union, Abroad Union, Igwe Cabinet, Vigilante and Youth are with our Igwe Obiorah Ngwu,” they declared.
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