Enugu: Ozom Community Monarch Election Dispute Over Imposition Claims

• An alleged disruption and attempt to impose a candidate during the Ozom Community Igwe election on October 3, 2026, has caused tension in Enugu State.
• The Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN) petitioned Governor Peter Mbah on November 2, 2026, citing a disregard for due process in traditional ruler selections.
• CRRAN highlighted a lack of transparency and the supervising ministry's failure to uphold the rule of law in such elections.
• The community had previously agreed to proceed with the election following a conciliatory meeting with the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs.
• CRRAN demands Governor Mbah nullify any unauthorized declarations and order a transparent, credible election supervised by the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs.

The integrity of traditional leadership selection processes across Enugu State hinges on such adherence to due process.

An alleged disruption and attempt to impose a candidate during the Ozom Community Igwe election on October 3, 2026, has generated significant tension, which has reportedly spread to other communities within Enugu State. This incident in Aguobu Owa centers on claims that officials sabotaged the process by attempting to force a pre-selected individual upon the community, bypassing established electoral procedures.

The community had prepared for a peaceful selection process, following a conciliatory meeting held on September 30, 2026. During this meeting, convened by Dr. Charles Egumgbe, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, all parties agreed that the election would proceed as initially scheduled. Further reinforcing the expectation of an orderly process, Dr. Kevin Nwachukwu, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, issued a directive on October 2, 2026, urging community members to maintain peace and adhere to the law. The Ozom populace responded by turning out in large numbers, ready to exercise their right to elect their traditional leader.

However, the democratic process was allegedly undermined when a team, originally tasked with merely outlining and administering the logistical aspects of the voting, reportedly attempted to unilaterally alter the procedure. Instead of facilitating a vote, this team allegedly read a pre-written statement intended to fraudulently impose a pre-selected candidate on the community, completely bypassing the voting process. Recognizing this direct challenge to their rights and the established process, the community members immediately voiced their objections, successfully preventing the unauthorized declaration from being executed. They firmly asserted that this calculated maneuver not only violated both traditional customs and constitutional procedures but also directly contravened the peaceful resolution brokered by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs. The financial burden for organizing this election, including all payments to the ministry and logistical arrangements, had been borne by the Ozom Community Concerned Citizens.

In response to the escalating situation, the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN) submitted a petition to Governor Peter Mbah on November 2, 2026. The petition, signed by CRRAN President Olu Omotayo, raised serious concerns regarding a deteriorating security situation and a blatant disregard for due process in the selection of traditional rulers across Enugu State.

CRRAN highlighted that the increasing conflicts and disruptions observed in traditional ruler elections throughout Enugu State point to a disturbing lack of transparency. The organization further noted a perceived failure by the supervising ministry to uphold the rule of law in these critical community leadership selection processes. The Ozom Igwe election sabotage was cited as the latest crisis illustrating these systemic issues.

In light of these serious allegations and the potential for further unrest, CRRAN has put forth specific demands to Governor Mbah, emphasizing his constitutional role as the state's Chief Security Officer. The organization insists that the governor must immediately nullify and set aside any unauthorized declaration, statement, or purported outcome that may have been orchestrated by any group involved in the disputed election.

Furthermore, CRRAN calls for the governor to mandate a transparent and credible election process. This new election, they argue, must allow the sovereign will of the Ozom people to prevail through a proper, open voting system. Crucially, this process should be conducted under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and recognized community leadership, ensuring impartiality and adherence to established protocols. The rights group also demands that Governor Mbah declare and uphold only the authentic choice that emerges freely through recognized electoral guidelines and the established customs of the Ozom people. These demands are presented as essential steps to avert an imminent breach of peace, prevent a breakdown of law and order, and ultimately preserve the sacred customs and collective will of the Ozom community. The integrity of traditional leadership selection processes across Enugu State hinges on such adherence to due process.

Lawyers advising communities or government bodies involved in traditional leadership selection in Enugu State should note the increased scrutiny and potential for legal challenges regarding due process and transparency, as evidenced by CRRAN's petition. This case highlights the importance of strict adherence to established procedures to avoid disputes and litigation.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH