Residents of Mburubu community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State caused a stir on Wednesday by protesting in Enugu capital, calling for the immediate dissolution of their town union.
They are urging the government to establish an interim caretaker committee for the town union.
A communique signed by 638 indigenes from the seven villages of the community – Amanato, Obinagu, Uhuagu, Uhuegbe, Umudara, Umunafo, and Amachi – was presented to the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, at the State Secretariat in Enugu.
The community accused a serving commissioner from the area of causing disruptions and anti-people activities, including instituting a case against the state government regarding traditional rulership issues.
Prof. Alphonsus Njoku, while delivering the communique, expressed their discontent with the commissioner’s behavior towards the community and their desire for a new traditional ruler based on their 1976 constitution, which was used to elect their late Igwe, Chief Ogbuzuru Ezeh.
Mr. Nick Nwafor, representing the diaspora stakeholders, emphasized the community’s demand for the dissolution of their town union and disapproved of their Town Union President taking legal action against the state government without authorization.
Ozo Kenneth Igbudu, speaking on behalf of Uhuegbe village, highlighted the harassments they faced from thugs and affirmed that the Igweship of the community should be open to all contestants, urging the state government to intervene.
In response, Deacon Ogbodo appreciated the community for peacefully expressing their grievances and assured them that efforts to elect a new traditional ruler were underway, emphasizing the government’s commitment to resolving development-related issues.
He acknowledged the importance of town union leadership and traditional rulers in rural development, assuring the community that the election process would proceed transparently and in accordance with their constitution.
Furthermore, Ogbodo mentioned the ongoing lawsuit initiated by the community against his ministry and the state government, pledging to address the issues to prevent hindrances to community growth.
He urged the community to maintain peace and avoid disruptions, promising to collaborate with the town union to resolve all outstanding matters.
Emphasizing the government’s respect for the rule of law, Ogbodo assured the community that their concerns would be addressed through peaceful dialogue.