BREAKING!! Tension in Enugu Community as Monarch is Accused of Usurpation of Power, Petitioners Call on Gov. Mbah to Intervene
Uneasy calm is reigning in Enugu-Agu Achi Autonomous Community of Oji River Local Government Area, Enugu State, as some concerned indigenes have accused their traditional ruler, Igwe Godwin Madu, of imposing himself as king without being duly elected.
The aggrieved members of the community alleged that the monarch is guilty of fraud, high-handedness, and monopolization of their common resources, particularly their quarry. They petitioned Governor Peter Mbah to investigate and remove the ruler, claiming his recognition was obtained through forgery.
According to them, Igwe Madu forged the signature of former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani in 2006 to issue a certificate of recognition to himself. Their petition to the police further demanded a full investigation, insisting that the monarch’s certificate carried a forged signature.
Community leader Ezedozie Ugochukwu noted in his petition that the forgery is evident when compared with the genuine signature of the former governor, which they attached as proof. He stressed that the alleged fraud was the basis on which Igwe Madu became a traditional ruler.
The petitioners also appealed to the current governor to urgently intervene, accusing the monarch of “tyrannical, despotic and unwholesome activities” that threaten the peace of the community. They urged the state government and law enforcement agencies to save them from what they described as the “evil machinations” of the ruler.
Efforts to reach Igwe Madu directly were unsuccessful. However, a member of his cabinet, Nze Theo Onyebueke, dismissed the allegations, insisting they were baseless. He revealed that both the police and the Ministry of Chieftaincy had previously investigated the matter and found no wrongdoing, accusing the petitioners of “stoking fire where there is none.”