Concerned indigenes of Mburubu community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State have expressed concern over the order of an Enugu High Court barring Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe from parading himself as Igwe-elect.
DAILY POST recalls that a High Court sitting in Enugu granted an injunctive relief barring Onuokaibe from being recognised as Igwe-elect pending the determination of the motion on notice filed by some members of the community.
The development has further worsened the tension in the community.
However, at a press briefing on Wednesday, the Mburubu Youth Council cautioned those behind the court action against creating more problems in the community.
The Youth Council, chaired by Mr. Kingsley Ositadimma Ọnụabuchi, and the Vice-chairman, Chief Sunday Chukwu, opposed the court injunction obtained by Hon Emma Edeh, Nwosu John, Igbudu Ogbonna, Nwankwo Samuel, among others.
They described it as actions aimed at destabilizing the community’s peace.
According to them, “the issue of Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe’s recognition as the Igwe-elect of Mburubu Community was amicably resolved during a crucial meeting with the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, led by Deacon Okey Ọgbọdo on February 12, 2024.
“The agreement reached was for the status quo to remain unchanged until after April 21, in respect of the mourning period for the late Igwe Ogbuzuru Ezeh.”
They also clarified that Onuokaibe had not presented himself as the Igwe-elect since the agreement with the ministry.
“We, the youths of Mburubu, express our bewilderment at the actions of some respected elders who have chosen to disregard the agreed-upon process, especially considering the limited time remaining (less than 40 days) to finalize the selection of a new traditional ruler.
“Such actions pose significant dangers to the unity and progress of our community, especially now that we are still mourning the death of our late Igwe’s wife, Queen Josephine Ezeh.
“It is essential to clarify that Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe has not presented himself as the Igwe-elect since after the said agreement with the ministry as evidenced by his public statements and actions hitherto.
“Any attempt to misrepresent this fact or obstruct the rightful process is seen as anti-progress and detrimental to the interest of the Mburubu people.”
The Mburubu Youth Council urged those behind the injunction to cease their actions immediately, citing the potential dangers they posed to the community’s unity and progress.
“We urge those behind the misleading injunction to desist from their actions immediately, as they only serve to hinder the peaceful transition and development of our community.
Let us uphold the agreed-upon process and work together for the betterment of Mburubu,” they advised.
Enugu community chieftaincy tussle: Court action against monarch-elect dangerous step – Stakeholders
