By Sophia Afolabi
Tensions are mounting in Umuagwo Autonomous Community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, as residents raise the alarm over what they describe as a brewing crisis instigated by their traditional ruler, HRH Eze Tony Oguzie. Accusations of high-handedness, unlawful dissolution of democratically elected community leaders, and the imposition of a caretaker committee have prompted widespread concern and a fervent appeal to the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, to intervene before the situation deteriorates further.
The concerns reached a tipping point as information surfaced indicating that a violent clash may be imminent between the legitimate Town Union, the Umuagwo Youth Movement, and the Women Wing, and a caretaker committee allegedly installed by the monarch. The local leadership and residents have signaled a looming breakdown of order in Umuagwo market and the wider community.
One vocal member of the community, who chose to remain anonymous for security reasons, stated: “The Ezeship in Umuagwo is rotational by constitution. When the current Eze eventually passes, the throne is expected to rotate to the next village. However, changes are being made to alter this tradition toward a hereditary system. Because I stand against this illegality, they want to replace me and others like the youth president, women leader, and PG with individuals who will rubber-stamp their agenda. I refuse to support such tyranny.”
Allegations that the President General of the Town Union is affiliated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN) have been dismissed as unfounded. “The PG is a Deputy Registrar at Imo State Polytechnic. He has no history of violence or cultism,” the same source emphasized. “Even FCID Enugu and Abuja are aware of this. Attempts to coerce us into supporting these claims are futile. I will continue to stand for what is right.”
The community, known for its long-standing peace, is urging that its calm not be shattered by the very individual meant to protect its heritage. “Our Eze should not be the source of conflict. We are appealing to His Excellency, Governor Uzodimma, a leader known for promoting peace across Imo State, to take swift action,” a community elder said. “We also urge Hon. Marcel Amadioha, Executive Chairman of Ohaji/Egbema, to intervene. Leadership must be elected, not imposed. Our constitution is clear on this.”
Additionally, the people are calling on other key political figures, including the Member representing Ohaji/Egbema in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Uzoma Francis (Eze Buguma), and the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Rubby Emele, to step in. “Umuagwo is a peaceful town, and we will not allow illegality to flourish. The caretaker youths appointed by the Eze are illegitimate. Government must act now,” a youth spokesperson asserted.
Some residents claim their lives are at risk, alleging that elements loyal to the Eze, including certain palace chiefs, are behind a plot to silence opposition. “We’re ready to hold an election within three weeks, as required by our constitution. Our tenure ends on August 27, 2025, and an electoral committee has already been constituted,” one of the embattled leaders confirmed.
The speaker made an emotional appeal to the monarch: “You are my father and a revered figure. You acknowledged my service in your own letter. I beg you, reverse these decisions. Let peace reign. I have protected this community under your leadership. Let’s do the right thing together.”
Investigations in the area revealed that the Eze had suspended the activities of the elected Town Union, Youth Movement, and Women Wing due to unresolved disagreements with the Town Union President, Mr. Nick Amadi. This suspension, residents argue, contravenes their constitutional rights and threatens to plunge the community into lawlessness.
Mr. Nick Amadi, a staff of Imo State Polytechnic and elected Town Union PG, confirmed these developments. “I’ve always respected HRH and never spoken against him. The problem lies with some palace chiefs who have wrongly declared themselves as the Council of Chiefs, contrary to our constitution which mandates villages to elect their chiefs. I opposed this, and since then, I’ve faced false accusations of being an ESN member, a kidnapper, and a thug. I was even detained for eight days by FCID Enugu.”
He further revealed that after multiple hearings and investigations by FCID Abuja, reconciliation efforts had stalled. “We’ve gone to court to challenge the illegality of banning Congresses and the imposition of a caretaker committee. The youth and women wings are under the Town Union’s domain, not the Eze. His jurisdiction lies in customs and tradition. The PG’s office handles administrative duties. But now, everything is being upended,” Amadi lamented.
He continued, “I still regard the Eze as a man of honor. Umuagwo has been one of the most peaceful communities in the state even during the EndSARS protests and COVID-19 lockdown. This current crisis is simply out of character, and we don’t understand what has come over our monarch.”
Addressing the youth and community members, Amadi urged restraint. “Remain calm. Communities face trials, but strength lies in how we overcome them. We will prevail.”
Comrade Opara Nnandi Albanus, President of the Umuagwo Youth Movement, provided a similar account. “I was duly elected for a second tenure, which is ongoing. I’ve already begun preparing for the next election in line with our constitution. But last month, the Eze suddenly dissolved our administration and installed a caretaker committee. It’s unconstitutional and a direct recipe for crisis.”
According to him, the Eze’s grievances stem from a personal conflict with the Town Union, which is currently under investigation at FCID Abuja. “Out of respect, we initially obeyed the ban, even though it lacked constitutional backing. But what followed dissolution of elected leadership was unacceptable.”
Nnandi also highlighted a core issue at the heart of the crisis: the alleged unilateral amendment of the Ezeship succession rules. “Umuagwo’s Ezeship is rotational among six villages. Our constitution is clear on that. But now, the Eze claims in the official Imo State compendium that succession is hereditary. That’s against everything we stand for. Our people are resisting not out of disrespect, but to preserve the integrity of our tradition.”
As Umuagwo teeters on the brink of communal unrest, residents insist they remain committed to democracy, peace, and lawful leadership selection. Their call to the state government and relevant authorities is unambiguous: intervene now, restore order, and preserve the democratic structures of Umuagwo before the crisis spirals out of control.
