Ikeduru Chairman Accused as Uzoagba Women Protest Alleged Monarch, PG Imposition

No fewer than hundred women of Uzoagba Ancient Kingdom in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State on Thursday, July 23, 2026, staged a peaceful protest against the alleged imposition of a traditional ruler and President General of the town union by the Chairman of Ikeduru Local Government Area, Hon. Justice Nze, and his Deputy, Hon. Obiora Dabrinze.
The protesters described the alleged action as unconstitutional, undemocratic, and contrary to the community’s age-long customs and traditions.
The women marched from the main road to the Council Headquarters in Iho and converged in front of the Chairman’s office, carrying placards with inscriptions such as: “Respect Our Tradition,” “Save Our Souls,” “Uzoagba Ezeship Stool Is Not Hereditary,” “We Say No to the Imposition of an Eze in Uzoagba by Hon. Justice Nze, LGA Chairman,” and “Uzoagba Deserves the Right to Choose Its Leaders Independently,” among others.
Addressing journalists, the Women Wing President General of the 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.
According to her, “We want peace to reign in our community. Let us live in peace and harmony as brothers and sisters.”
She added that since the matter is still pending before a competent court, the Executive Chairman should allow the court to determine the case before proceeding with any town union election in the community. She further stated that the matter had been adjourned to August 14, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General, Ezinne Patricia Ndukwu, who read the communiqué, urged the Local Government Chairman to heed their words of caution and save the community from a looming crisis that could threaten the peaceful coexistence of its people.
Part of the communiqué read: “We say no to the imposition of your cronies as Electoral Committee members for the purported Uzoagba Development Union election; no to the imposition of an Eze in Uzoagba Community by the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Justice Nze, and his Deputy, Hon. Obiora Dabrinze.”
“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.”
It further expressed “an absolute vote of confidence in the incumbent President General by Uzoagba village heads and stakeholders.”
The Youth Leader, Engr. Michael Chibuike Okpara, who accompanied the women to the council headquarters, advised the Chairman and his Deputy to desist from actions capable of creating unrest in Uzoagba, noting that the community has always been known for its unity and peaceful coexistence.
Also speaking, the Matron, Lolo Bernadette Obiyor, urged the Chairman to respect the judicial process, adding that conducting any election while the matter is still before the court and scheduled to come up on August 14 would not bring a lasting solution.
Responding, the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Justice Nze, who initially expressed displeasure over the protest, said neither he nor the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ikeduru Division was notified before the women came to the council headquarters. He, however, noted that he addressed them out of respect and sensitivity to their concerns.
The Chairman maintained that he acted within the provisions of the law and in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the community.
He further denied having knowledge that the matter was pending before the court, insisting that, to the best of his knowledge, the case had already been disposed of.