In a historic and long-awaited development, peace appears to be returning to Obeagu town in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State after a decade of leadership vacuum.
The community is now preparing to elect a new traditional ruler, ten years after the passing of its esteemed monarch, Igwe D.O.C. Aneke Ikemefuna, the Eze Omere Oha I of Obeagu Kingdom.
The announcement was officially made by the President General of the Obeagu Town Union, Orji Anthony (DCP Rtd), on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
He confirmed that the Enugu State Ministry of Rural Development, Local Government, and Chieftaincy Matters has scheduled the royal selection exercise for Saturday, August 9, 2025.
The event will hold at Igwebuike Primary School, adjacent to St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Obeagu.
According to the guidelines released, all male and female indigenes of Obeagu aged 18 and above are eligible to participate in what is shaping up to be a momentous communal event.
The journey to this significant milestone began in 2019, with the inauguration of the Obeagu Igweship Selection Committee, chaired by Sir Godwin Egungwu.
Following a meticulous process involving community consultations and screening, two sons of Obeagu, Chief Sylvester Emeka Okolo and Ogbuefi M.C. Uzodinma emerged as the officially recognized candidates.
Their emergence was met with widespread acceptance, rekindling hopes of a unified traditional leadership.
However, the process soon hit turbulent waters.
Internal disagreements over the Obeagu Chieftaincy Constitution, allegations of procedural irregularities, and accusations of obstruction by the former Town Union administration, led by Ogbuefi Anselem Aniokete, created prolonged delays and deepened divisions.
A credible community source revealed that mounting frustrations led to grassroots mobilization in support of Chief Okolo, resulting in his symbolic recognition by a majority of the people.
A turning point came with the intervention of the Obeagu Peace and Reconciliation Committee, chaired by Ogbuefi Kenneth Ikemefuna Ebubechukwuzo.
The committee’s mediation efforts restored calm, led to the withdrawal of all legal cases, and facilitated a change in the town union leadership.
This paved the way for the continuation and conclusion of the kingship selection process—based on a framework recommended by the reconciliation committee.
As stipulated, only the two pre-selected candidates, Chief Sylvester Emeka Okolo and Ogbuefi M.C. Uzodinma, were permitted to proceed after fulfilling the constitutional requirement of purchasing the Expression of Interest Form from the Enugu State Ministry of Rural Development, Local Government, and Chieftaincy Matters.
As Obeagu community in Enugu prepares to turn a new page, the atmosphere in the town is charged with expectation and cautious optimism.
Community elders, youth, and women groups have called for peace and unity, urging all eligible voters to participate with dignity and a sense of responsibility.
The upcoming selection promises not just the installation of a new Igwe but the ushering in of a renewed era of peace, progress, and traditional continuity in Obeagu Kingdom in Enugu.
“This is not just about choosing a new monarch. It is about healing, heritage, and hope for the future of Obeagu,” said a community leader who spoke with our correspondent.
If successful, the process will bring to a close a decade-long deadlock and set Obeagu Enugu community on a path toward cohesive traditional governance and developmental synergy.
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