Imo women stage protest over alleged imposition of traditional ruler, PG by LG chairman

Women from Uzoagba Ancient Kingdom in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State have staged a protest against the chairman of the council, Justice Nze, accusing him of imposing a traditional ruler and President General, PG, on the community without following laid down rules.

The protesters described the alleged action of the council chairman as unconstitutional as it runs contrary to the community’s age-long customs and traditions.

The women on Friday marched to the council headquarters in Iho and converged in front of the chairman’s office, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Respect Our Tradition”, “Uzoagba Ezeship Stool Is Not Hereditary”, “We Say No to the Imposition of an Eze in Uzoagba”, “Uzoagba Deserves the Right to Choose Its Leaders Independently”, among others.

Addressing journalists, the President General Women Wing of Uzoagba Development Union, UDU, Home and Abroad, Mrs Maria Emetumba, said they embarked on the peaceful protest to inform the local government chairman that the people of Uzoagba do not want bloodshed or crisis in their community.

She added that since the matter is still pending before a competent court, the LG chairman should allow the court to determine the case before proceeding with any town union election in the community.

Reading a communique jointly signed by the leadership of the women wing, the Secretary-General, Ezinne Patricia Ndukwu, urged the council chairman to heed their words of caution and save the community from a looming crisis that could threaten the peaceful coexistence of its people.

She maintained that the women wing are saying “no” to the imposition of electoral committee members for the purported Uzoagba Development Union and Ezeship elections.

“The position of Uzoagba President General is currently the subject of litigation before a court of competent jurisdiction and, therefore, should not be interfered with in order to avoid contempt of court,” the communique stated.

Speaking during the protest, the Youth Leader of the community, Michael Chibuike Okpara, who accompanied the women to the council headquarters, advised the LG chairman and his deputy to desist from actions capable of creating unrest in  Uzoagba, noting that the community has always been known for unity and peaceful coexistence.

In her speech, the matron of the wing Bernadette Obiyor, urged the chairman to respect the judicial process, adding that conducting any election while the matter is already  scheduled to come up in court on August 14, 2026 would only amount to abuse of judicial process.

Responding to the allegations levelled against him, the council chairman, Justice Nze, who expressed displeasure over the protest, said neither him nor the Divisional Police Officer incharge of the area was notified before the protesters stormed the council headquarters.

He, however, explained that he acted within the provisions of the law and in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the community.

Nze denied having knowledge that the matter was pending before the court, adding that, to the best of his knowledge, the case had already been disposed of and advised the people of the community to avoid actions capable of causing social unrest.