The Nsukka Democratic Movement (NDM) has demanded the immediate reversal of the suspension of the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Opi Ogbozalla Autonomous Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, HRH Igwe Eze William Ezugwu, describing the action as unlawful and politically motivated.
The group also gave the Enugu State Government seven days to withdraw the suspension, threatening legal and other lawful actions if the order is not reversed.
The Enugu State Government, through the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, suspended Igwe Ezugwu in a letter dated September 24, 2026, citing alleged violations of the state’s Traditional Rulers Law, including failure to constitute a cabinet, failure to establish a recognised Town Union executive and alleged conduct inconsistent with the administration of the autonomous community.
But in a statement issued on Sunday, September 27, and signed by its National Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the NDM rejected the government’s reasons, arguing that the suspension was a political response to the monarch’s recent reception of opposition figures, including Peter Obi.
The group said it had reviewed the suspension letter, reports of a phone interview granted by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Charles O. C. Egumgbe, and what it described as video evidence from the community’s Town Union leadership.
It also claimed to have examined the provisions of the Traditional Rulers Law, Cap 151, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004.
According to the NDM, the suspension was “void ab initio” and amounted to political retaliation.
NDM Questions Timing Of Suspension
The group alleged that Ibagwa Opi Ogbozalla had suffered an attack by suspected kidnappers about two months ago, during which youths were killed and others allegedly abducted.
It accused the state government of failing to visit the community or commiserate with affected families after the incident.
The NDM said opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Enugu State governorship candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), subsequently visited the community and the monarch’s palace to sympathise with residents.
It argued that receiving visitors was among the responsibilities of a recognised traditional ruler under the state law.
The group therefore questioned why the monarch would be suspended shortly after receiving the visitors.
“Under Section 15(b) of Cap 151, a recognised chief has a sacred duty to receive important visitors to the town or community,” the statement said.
The NDM argued that the monarch’s reception of visitors following the alleged killings could not, by itself, constitute misconduct.
However, the state government has denied that the suspension was connected to Peter Obi’s visit, saying the action followed complaints about the monarch’s conduct and alleged violations of the Traditional Rulers Law. The Commissioner was also reported to have said Igwe Ezugwu had been invited to his office about two weeks earlier over complaints from members of the community.
Group Challenges Town Union Allegation
The NDM also challenged the government’s allegation that Igwe Ezugwu failed to encourage the establishment of a Town Union executive.
It said a video showed the President General of Ibagwa Opi Town Union, Mr Ugwu Nnabuike, displaying a Certificate of Return or Recognition allegedly issued by the Enugu State Government.
The group further claimed that the Town Union leadership was inaugurated by Igwe Ezugwu the previous month.
The NDM therefore argued that the government’s allegation that no Town Union existed was inconsistent with the certificate and the alleged inauguration.
“This is self-contradiction,” the group said, arguing that the state could not recognise a Town Union and subsequently fault the traditional ruler for failing to establish one.
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The claim, however, remains an allegation by the NDM and would require verification from the relevant state ministry and the community’s Town Union records.
NDM Questions Commissioner’s Authority
A major part of the group’s argument concerns the legal authority under which the suspension was issued.
The NDM cited Section 10 of the Traditional Rulers Law, which it said gives the Governor the power to suspend or withdraw the recognition of a traditional ruler under specified circumstances.
It therefore questioned the wording of the suspension letter, which reportedly stated that the Commissioner was exercising powers under Sections 10(a) and 10(b).
The group argued that the Commissioner’s role under Section 16 includes initiating an administrative inquiry into allegations of grave misconduct and advising the Governor, rather than independently exercising the Governor’s suspension power.
A legal commentary on the same Enugu law, discussing the Court of Appeal decision in Chimereze v. Cosmas & Ors, confirms that the Traditional Rulers Law, Cap 151, governs traditional-ruler matters in the state and specifically addresses the powers of the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters.
The NDM consequently argued that the suspension was “ultra vires” unless the Governor had directed or approved the action in accordance with the law.
Administrative Inquiry Dispute
The group also challenged the process leading to the suspension.
It said the government’s allegations against the monarch included intimidation, harassment, arrest of subjects, alleged financial misconduct, alleged sale of a market and interference with Town Union activities.
The NDM argued that such allegations should be subjected to a formal administrative inquiry rather than being determined through an office meeting or media interview.
It cited Section 16 of the Traditional Rulers Law, which it said provides for an administrative inquiry where allegations of grave misconduct are made.
The group further argued that the monarch should be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations through due process.
Previous cases involving traditional rulers in Enugu have also seen the state government invoke Section 16 to initiate administrative inquiries alongside suspension proceedings, demonstrating that the provision has previously been used in this manner.
Group Rejects Political Motivation Allegation By Government
The NDM maintained that the timing of the suspension raised questions about whether the action was connected to the monarch’s reception of opposition politicians.
The group said traditional rulers should not be punished for receiving political figures or other visitors, provided their conduct remains within the law.
It further alleged that some traditional rulers who have publicly supported the administration of Governor Peter Mbah had not faced similar treatment.
The group described this as evidence of selective enforcement.
The state government, however, has maintained that the suspension was based on alleged administrative and behavioural violations rather than the monarch’s reception of Peter Obi. Reports quoting Commissioner Egumgbe said the government had received complaints about the monarch and had previously warned him over the allegations.
NDM’s Demands
The Nsukka Democratic Movement called for the immediate withdrawal of the suspension letter and recognition of Igwe Ezugwu as the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Opi Ogbozalla pending any lawful proceedings.
It also asked the Enugu State Government to visit Ibagwa Opi, commiserate with families affected by the alleged killings and abductions and strengthen security in the community.
Where genuine complaints exist against the monarch, the group called for a formal administrative inquiry under the Traditional Rulers Law, with the community given an opportunity to participate and the monarch allowed fair hearing.
The NDM also warned against what it described as the use of chieftaincy law as a political instrument.
“If this void suspension is not reversed within seven days, we shall mobilise people of Ibagwa Opi, Nsukka cultural zone and all lovers of justice to defend their traditional institution through all lawful means,” the group said.
It listed possible legal action under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure, petitions to the National Council of Traditional Rulers and peaceful civic engagement.
The controversy over the suspension comes amid broader questions about the relationship between traditional institutions, state government authority and political activity ahead of the 2027 elections. Reports on the matter have confirmed both the suspension and the government’s stated reasons, while the political interpretation has been advanced by the NDM and other critics.