This post has already been read at least 1159 times!
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has condemned the suspension of the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Opi Ogbozalla Autonomous Community in Nsukka Local Government Area, HRH Igwe Williams Ezugwu, describing the action by the Enugu State Government as a dangerous assault on the dignity of the traditional institution and political intimidation.
The condemnation was contained in a press statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, on October 1, 2026. The association said it is disgraceful that the suspension came shortly after the monarch received Mr Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in his palace.
Receiving Peter Obi Now A Crime In Enugu? — HURIWA Queries Mbah
HURIWA said the reported offence appears to be nothing more than receiving a fellow Igbo man, welcoming a former governor and praying for his visitor. The group questioned the rationale behind the government action.
“Is receiving Peter Obi now a crime in Enugu State? Is praying for a visitor now an offence punishable by suspension? If there is another reason for the suspension, Governor Mbah must immediately publish it and present the evidence before Nigerians,” HURIWA said. 
The rights group said the government cannot hide behind the vague phrase “persistent misconduct” while citizens connect the suspension to the monarch’s meeting with an opposition presidential candidate. It demanded specific answers on due process.
“Where is the evidence that Peter Obi’s visit constituted misconduct? Where is the evidence that the monarch breached any specific provision of the Traditional Rulers Law? Where is the record of allegations against him? Where is the evidence that he was given fair hearing?” the association queried.
HURIWA also asked whether the APC presidential candidate sought to visit the same traditional ruler and was refused, challenging the government to provide evidence if that was the case.
Palace Is Not A Party Office — HURIWA Warns
The association warned Governor Peter Mbah that traditional rulers are not political appointees to be humiliated whenever they receive people considered politically inconvenient. According to HURIWA, the palace is not a political party office and receiving Peter Obi is not a criminal offence.
“The palace is not a political party office. A traditional ruler is not a political foot soldier. And receiving Peter Obi is not, in itself, a criminal offence,” HURIWA stated.
The group said it is disturbing that an institution rooted in Igbo history and culture could be subjected to such treatment merely because a political visitor entered the palace. It asked whether Enugu traditional rulers must now obtain political clearance before opening their palace doors.
HURIWA said such a precedent would be dangerous for democracy, culture and the dignity of traditional institutions. It stressed that traditional institutions have survived governments and political parties because their authority transcends partisan politics.
HURIWA Demands Immediate Reversal, Apology
The association insisted that the constitutional guarantee of fair hearing cannot be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. If the monarch was not given opportunity to know the allegations and defend himself, the process raises serious constitutional questions.
Consequently, HURIWA demanded immediate reversal of the suspension unless the Enugu State Government can publicly demonstrate clear legal basis, specific misconduct and compliance with due process.
Furthermore, it called on Governor Mbah to apologise to the traditional institution if it is established that the monarch was punished without fair hearing or that his reception of Peter Obi influenced the decision.
“Enugu must not become a theatre where traditional institutions are sacrificed on the altar of 2027 politics. Political leaders come and go, but traditional institutions belong to the people. The palace must remain a palace, not an extension of the ruling party’s machinery,” HURIWA warned.
This post has already been read at least 1159 times!
