This post has already been read at least 111089 times!
The Nsukka Democratic Movement (NDM) has given the Enugu State Government a seven-day ultimatum to reverse the purported suspension of the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Opi Ogbozalla Autonomous Community in Nsukka Local Government Area, HRH Igwe Eze William Ezugwu.
The group warned that failure to withdraw the suspension within seven days would trigger a series of lawful actions, including court proceedings, a petition to the National Council of Traditional Rulers and peaceful civic engagement.
The ultimatum was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary General of NDM, Comrade James Ezema, on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
NDM described the suspension as “void ab initio, factually dishonest and a political retaliation for hosting opposition leaders,” following the reported visit of Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Enugu State governorship candidates of the NDC and African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the monarch’s palace.
The group said the visitors had come to mourn with the people of Ibagwa Opi following an attack by suspected armed kidnappers in which youths were killed and others abducted.
According to NDM, the Enugu State Government had not visited the community to commiserate with the bereaved families, despite the government’s reference in the suspension letter to its “huge investment” in securing the lives and properties of Ndi-Enugu.
The organisation argued that the traditional ruler had merely discharged his traditional responsibility by receiving visitors who came to mourn with the community.
It cited Section 15(b) of the Traditional Rulers Law Cap 151, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004, which it said requires a recognised chief “to receive important visitors to the town or community.”
NDM also cited Sections 15(d) and 15(j), arguing that traditional rulers are expected to serve as custodians of culture and promote stability and peace.
The movement consequently questioned the timing of the suspension, noting that it came approximately two weeks after the opposition leaders’ visit.
“About two weeks after that visit, he is suspended for ‘failure to put cabinet’ and ‘failure to set up Town Union’ — offences unknown to Cap 151,” the statement alleged.
NDM Challenges Basis of Suspension
The group further challenged the legal authority of the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs to suspend the traditional ruler.
According to NDM, Section 10 of Cap 151 provides that the Governor may suspend or withdraw recognition of a traditional ruler under specified circumstances.
It therefore faulted the wording of the suspension letter, which reportedly stated that the Commissioner was exercising powers conferred on him under Sections 10(a) and 10(b).
“Section 16 gives Commissioner power to hold enquiry and advise Governor. He cannot advise himself and suspend,” NDM stated.
The organisation also questioned whether the required administrative enquiry had been conducted before the suspension.
It said the allegations against Igwe Ezugwu included serious claims of intimidation, harassment, arrest of subjects, malfeasance, selling of the market and using the police to oppress members of the community.
According to the group, such allegations require evidence and a formal process rather than what it described as an office meeting and media interviews.
“A private office meeting is not an administrative enquiry. No panel sat in Ibagwa Opi, no community was heard, no report, no finding that he ceased to enjoy popular support under Section 16(2),” the statement said.
Town Union Controversy
NDM also challenged the allegation that the monarch failed to establish or encourage the establishment of a Town Union.
The group said it had video evidence showing the President General of Ibagwa Opi Town Union, Mr. Ugwu Nnabuike, displaying a Certificate of Return/Recognition issued by the Enugu State Government.
It further stated that the Town Union leadership was inaugurated the previous month by Igwe Eze William Ezugwu.
“The Ministry that issued the certificate is the same Ministry now claiming no Town Union exists. The Igwe who inaugurated the Town Union last month is the same Igwe now accused of running the community single-handedly,” NDM said.
It described the situation as a contradiction that, in its view, undermined the basis of the suspension.
‘Stool Is Not Government House Extension’
The movement accused the state government of attempting to use the Traditional Rulers Law as a political instrument.
“Stop weaponizing Cap 151 to enforce political endorsement. The stool of Ibagwa Opi is not an extension of Government House,” it declared.
NDM also argued that a traditional ruler does not lose his constitutional rights to receive Nigerians because of their political affiliations.
It referenced Sections 39, 40 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, maintaining that traditional rulers should be free to receive Nigerians belonging to different political parties.
The organisation questioned why the Ibagwa Opi monarch was being suspended after receiving opposition politicians while, according to its statement, traditional rulers who had openly endorsed Governor Peter Mbah remained unaffected.
Seven-Day Deadline
NDM demanded the immediate withdrawal of the suspension letter, insisting that Igwe Ezugwu remains the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Opi Ogbozalla until lawful action is taken by the Governor after due process.
It also demanded that the government visit Ibagwa Opi, commiserate with the families affected by the alleged kidnapping attacks and address the security concerns of the community.
Where genuine complaints exist, the group called for a proper Section 16 administrative enquiry to be conducted openly in Ibagwa Opi, with the community present and the monarch afforded fair hearing.
But the movement’s strongest warning was reserved for the seven-day deadline.
“Nsukka Democratic Movement will not watch chieftaincy law turned into political whip against Nsukka land,” it said.
“If this void suspension is not reversed within 7 days, we shall mobilize people of Ibagwa Opi, Nsukka cultural zone and all lovers of justice to defend their traditional institution through all lawful means.”
The group listed the contemplated measures as court action under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure, a petition to the National Council of Traditional Rulers and peaceful civic engagement.
“The Traditional Rulers Law was made to preserve custom, not to punish a ruler for performing custom and receiving mourners Government abandoned,” NDM declared.
This post has already been read at least 111089 times!
