By Tony Adibe
The prolonged traditional rulership dispute brewing in Akama Oghe Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State has degenerated into a sharp disagreement between the declared Igwe-Elect and a state lawmaker, threatening the peace of the community ahead of its annual Ibono Cultural Festival.
In a terse press release on Monday, High Chief Christian Akpata, declared Igwe-Elect of Akama Oghe Community by the Enugu State High Court, called on the Enugu State Government to immediately wade in and call Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze, Esq.—the member representing Ezeagu State Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly—to order to avert an impending communal crisis.
Akpata’s petition was a direct response to a widely circulated article dated September 27, 2026, authored by the lawmaker. In the publication, Rt. Hon. Obieze raised concerns over the leadership tussle in the autonomous community, accusing Akpata of fueling division and deploying law enforcement agencies to intimidate residents.
But NewsBits reports that as tensions build up, residents and natives of Akama Oghe now look to the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters and security agencies to quickly wade into, enforce judicial decisions, and maintain law and order across Akama Oghe in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
However, debunking the Obieze accusations, Akpata dismissed them as “false narratives” designed to tarnish his image and undermine a valid judicial outcome.
”I state categorically that I am a law-abiding citizen of Akama Oghe who believes in peace, order, and the rule of law,” Chief Akpata declared.
“I am not causing any trouble in the community, nor have I at any time resorted to self-help, intimidation, or violence. I have never used the Police or the DSS to harass anyone. Rather, I am defending myself from their intimidation,” he stated.
However, the Igwe-Elect threw the blame back on the state legislator, accusing him of abusing his official position to suppress the court’s ruling and subvert the will of the people. Akpata said: “It is, in fact, the writers of these articles—Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze and his cohorts—who have been causing problems in the community.” He added: “They are attempting to intimidate and suppress me and my supporters with government position simply because of the judgment in my favor. I refuse to succumb to intimidation.”
The Judicial Battle and Question of Appeal: The Igweship tussle reached a legal milestone on June 2, 2026, when the Enugu State High Court delivered judgment in Suit No. A/29/2018, declaring High Chief Christian Akpata as the legitimate Igwe-Elect of Akama Oghe Community.
Commenting on claims by factions that an appeal has been lodged by an adversary, Onyeka Ofordile, Chief Akpata clarified that he has yet to be served with any formal court papers or a stay of execution order.
“Onyeka Ofordile has not notified me of his intention to appeal,” Akpata said, adding: “As far as I am concerned, that alleged appeal remains mere hearsay until I am properly served with the processes of the Court of Appeal and a valid order for stay of execution is granted. A mere intention to appeal does not set aside a judgment of the High Court. The judgment remains valid, subsisting, and enforceable until set aside by a superior court.”
Akpata acknowledged the procedural steps outlined by the legislator, Obieze, agreeing that full accession requires the Enugu State Government to issue a Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office. However, he emphasized that he is pursuing those channels strictly through lawful procedures.
“I am not parading myself as Igwe with a Staff of Office,” he clarified. “I am parading myself as the Igwe-Elect as declared by the Court, which I am, by law, entitled to do.”
Dispute Over Regency and Parallel Governance: Akpata’s press release also focused on the traditional administration of the community, specifically challenging the authority of Chief Edwin Umeh, the former Onowu (Prime Minister) to the late traditional ruler, Igwe K. O. Ugwuozo.
Following a nine-year vacancy on the traditional stool since Igwe Ugwuozo’s passing, Akpata argued that the former Igwe-in-Council no longer possesses the legal or constitutional mandate to run a parallel administration, form committees, appoint traditional leaders (Ibono leaders), suspend youth executive members, or manage community finances.
According to Akpata, “The constitutional role of an Onowu as Regent is to midwife the emergence of a new Igwe, not to perpetuate himself in office, share Okpoto funds, or blacklist sons of Akama Oghe.” He maintained that the former Onowu’s continued exercise of authority violates community custom and established law.
Pre-Festival Tension and Call for Calm: As Akama Oghe the sacred Ibono Festival approaches, anxiety concerning public peace and order has seemingly climaxed. Traditional festivals in Enugu State communities often draw large gatherings, making them vulnerable to flashpoints during unresolved political and traditional disputes.
Akpata, while concluding appeal for the authorities to intervene, called on security agencies, elders, and the youth of Akama Oghe to resist provocation and prevent anyone with ulterior motives from derailing the cultural celebration.
Akpata declared: “Anyone who has an evil agenda concerning our Ibono Festival should desist from it immediately.” He was quick to add: “I advise all the youths and elders in our Akama Oghe community to be law-abiding during this upcoming festival and celebrate in peace, unity, and respect for our rich culture.”
Re-emphasising his desire for stability, the Igwe-Elect concluded with a direct call to the Enugu State Government: “I love Akama Oghe. I have no interest in winning small battles; my sole interest is the peace and development of our land. Let us not turn the law on its head. Let us allow the Government to do the needful and give peace a chance.”
