Hundreds of Enu-Agu Autonomous Community residents in Akpugo, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, took to the streets on Wednesday to protest the recognition of Sylvester Nnaji as their traditional ruler.
The protesters, comprising men, women, and youths, marched to the state house of assembly and government house, carrying placards highlighting their grievances. They demanded the nullification of Nnaji’s recognition letter, citing infringement on Enugu State’s traditional selection process.
The controversy began after Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi created Enu-Agu Autonomous Community in May 2023 without establishing a legal framework. Prior to this, the community lacked a constituted town union.
Residents were in the process of establishing a code of conduct for selecting and installing their traditional ruler when some individuals presented themselves as community leaders.
In a letter which was jointly signed by Chief Steven Aninnenji and Hon. Gabriel Edeh, national chairman and secretary of Enu-Agu Community, respectively, and made available to journalists, the community appealed to Governor Peter Mba to constitute a panel of inquiry.
This would ensure justice, rule of law, and equity in the community, the protesters said, adding that the residents are only seeking a fair and transparent process in selecting their traditional ruler.
The letter partly read: “Chief Sylvester Nnaji (who parades himself as Igwe Elect of Enu Agu
Autonomous Community) with Mr. Ikenna Ogbodo (parading himself as the President General) and Mike Anike (parading himself as Onowu). These men are doing everything within their powers to foist themselves on the good people of Enu Agu Community and rule over them without their consent. The disposition of these men, clearly does not accord with democratic principle s and traditional rulers law of Enugu State and the laws governing town unions.
“Furthermore, Enu-Agu Autonomous Community Akpugo, Nkanu West is made up Twenty-two families – one major family is made up of twenty (20) families while minor family is made up of two (2) families, but the two minor families went behind to hijack both the traditional ruler and town union of Enu Agu Community without the consent of the other major families of twenty though we break down the names of the families in the attached community resolution in this report sir.
“It is on the above premises, that we implore you, Hon. Commissioner Sir, to use your good offices to intervene and ensure that the new Autonomous Community is not thrown into political and leadership crisis which could engender total breakdown of law and order.”
Responding to the protesters, the speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, who was represented by Ede Magnus, member representing Aninri State Constituency, promised to wade into the matter for quick and peaceful resolution.
He said: “Of course, you know that we are here for the people and we are here to speak for the people; to defend the defenceless. So, in a situation like this, we must show keen interest.
“We are happy and thank you all for remaining peaceful. We will bring all the people involved for peaceful resolution of the whole issue.
“I give applause to your representatives for ensuring that you are peaceful. Even if we meet the governor, you know he’s a lover of peace. He’ll want to know how you conducted yourselves.
“Be assured that we will not support any impostors who claim to be your Igwe and President General.”
Meanwhile, efforts to speak with Chief Sylvester Nnaji were unsuccessful as he did not answer his calls. As at the time of filing this report, he had yet to respond to a text message seeking his comment.
