From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
A Enugu high Court sitting at Agbani division, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu state, presided over by Justice J.L.C.Okibe, has directed the state Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftancy Affairs, Hon.Deacon Okey Ogbodo to appoint an interim executive for Attakwu Akegbe Town Development Union, to oversee the affairs of the community at the expiration of the tenure of Chief Stephen Eneh led executive of the Town Union on Wednesday,July 23rd,2025, pending final decision of the court in the suit brought before it by some Concerned Citizens of the community.
Justice Okibe also barred Chief Eneh, the President General of Attakwu Akegbe Ugwu autonomous community from constituting a committee for a new election but quit honourably on July 23rd,2025.
The Court adjourned the suit to October 2, October 23 and November 6,2025 for further mention.
Hon. Justice Okibe gave this directives on Friday, July 18,in his rulings on the suit with No …HAGB/30/2025 brought to the court by Engr.Nnaemeka Ugwu,Amobi Ugwu,Chigbo Aga,Chief Gabriel Ene,Onovo Ifeoma, Juliet Amoge Ngene,Ujunwa Nnamani and Hon.Ichodemus Nnamchi, for themselves and as representatives of the people of Attakwu Akegbe Ugwu autonomous community against HRH Igwe Gregory Ugwu (JP), the traditional ruler of Atakwu Akegbe Ugwu autonomous community and Chief Ikechukwu Ene,in his capacity as the President General of Attakwu Town Development Union.
Also joined in the suit is the Enugu State Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftancy Affairs,Hon. Deacon Okey Ogbodo.
The plaintiffs operating under the aegis of Concerned Citizens of Attakwu Akegbe Ugwu autonomous community are clamouring for an acceptable constitution that will be passed at the Community’s General Assembly,specifying modalities and rotation of the position of President General among the nine villages that makes up Attakwu Akegbe Ugwu autonomous community, before any new election of the Town Union will be conducted.
On the contrary, Chief Ikechukwu Eneh led executive who have presided over the affairs of the the town union for eight years and three months,insisted he will conduct a new election that will produce his successor,barely few months to the end of his tenure.
In granting the prayers of the Plaintiffs, the Court stated “That an order of Interlocutory Injunction is granted restraining the Defendants/Respondents, their agents,privies,successors in title,workmen whatsoever or howsoever described or called from organizing,vconducting,approving the conduct and/or supervising any election for the purposes of electing or selecting the National Officers of the Attakwu Town Development Union between now and July 2025, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit already filed and served.
“That an order is granted stopping the 2nd Defendant from taking any steps in furtherance to the election and selection of the National Officers of Attakwu Town Development Union upon the expiration of his tenure of office on 23rd July,2025.
“That an order is also granted directing the 3rd Defendant on record to utilize his office and appoint interim executive of Attakwu Akegbe Town Development Union”,the ruling proceedings signed by Nweke J.C.,the Assistant Chief Registrar signalled.
Prior to his rulings, the Court heard the submissions of the counsels to the various parties.
Fidelis Mbadugha{SAN) appeared for the Plaintiffs/Applicants. A O. Nwogbo(SAN) appeared for the 1st Defendant, HRH Igwe Greg.Ugwu and Ike Ozo Esq. stood in for the 2nd Defendant, Chief Ikechukwu Eneh.
A Chief legal officer,E.C.Ekpete Esq.made his submissions on behalf of Hon.Deacon Okey Ogbodo, who is the 3rd defendant.
Prior to the Court ruling, the Enugu state ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftancy Affairs had informed all the warring factions in Attakwu Akegbe Ugwu autonomous community of its intention to appoint a Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the Town Union,consequent upon allegations of Mal administration of Chief Ikechukwu Eneh led executive that would end on July 23rd 2025.
The allegations includes lack of a better reliable constitution constitution of the multiple constitutions prepared without the consent of the general assembly of the community,Non involvement of women in the leadership of Attakwu Community Development Town Union and lack of transparency in the management of the community’s finances.A petition to the effect was forwarded to the ministry by some concerned citizens of the community since 2024.
