Igweship Tussle: ESUT confirms dismissal of contender, Obiora Ngwu

By Chinedu Adonu

A chieftaincy dispute in Umuogbo-Agu Autonomous Community, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, has taken a new turn following confirmation by the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) that one of the key figures in the tussle, Mr. Obiora Simon Ngwu, was dismissed from the institution in 2012.

Documents obtained from ESUT indicate that Ngwu, a former staff member of the university, was disengaged from service over his alleged involvement in an admission-related irregularity.

The confirmation was contained in an official letter dated January 26, 2026, issued by the Office of the Registrar of ESUT, Mr. Ambrose Ugwu, and addressed to Charles Ugwu of Ugwu & Associates. The letter stated that the information was released in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act.

According to the document, Ngwu was employed as a Library Assistant on Grade Level 4, Step 01, at the University Library on January 26, 1982. His appointment was, however, terminated with effect from September 13, 2012, following investigations into an admission-related scheme. The university noted that the incident led to the unlawful admission of over 500 students, who were subsequently expelled after the matter was uncovered.

The disclosure comes amid an ongoing legal battle over the Igwe stool of Umuogbo-Agu Autonomous Community.

In the suit, one of the contenders to the throne, Chief Sylvester Ali, has accused some community leaders of forging the community’s constitution to influence the selection of a traditional ruler. Ali, who claims to be the duly nominated Igwe-elect of the community, made the allegation in a sworn deposition before the Enugu State High Court sitting in Enugu-Ezike.

The case, Suit No. EZ/10/2025, was instituted by Ichie Alphonsus Okoro and Ichie Simeon Okoro, representing Umuonoda-Eze Clan, against Ngwu and others.

In his deposition, Ali, a community leader from Umunasa quarter, stated that Umuogbo-Agu comprises four traditional quarters—Umuokpuye, Umuowaa, Umuaana and Umunasa—which rotate leadership positions in accordance with an agreed constitution.

He alleged that some parties, in collaboration with persons outside the community, produced a purported amended constitution without the approval of the general assembly. According to him, the document allegedly altered key provisions, excluded certain quarters from future leadership rotation, and contained names and signatures of deceased persons.

“The document was never debated or ratified by the general assembly,” Ali stated.

He maintained that no valid Igwe election had taken place in the community, adding that none of the rival claimants emerged through constitutionally recognised procedures. He warned that any attempt to present an Igwe-elect outside the laid-down process could threaten peace in the community and urged the court to intervene.

Checks by our correspondent confirmed that the matter is still pending before the High Court.

Speaking with Vanguard, Ali reiterated his claim that he was the only person elected as Igwe-elect of the community, alleging that the crisis was being fuelled by some indigenes living abroad.

“The constitution clearly states that it is the turn of my quarter, Umunasa, to produce the next Igwe. I was supported by my family, my quarter and the wider community. I had no challenger,” he said.

On the prospects for peace, Ali said the community had made representations to the Commissioner for Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, before disputes arose over an alleged forged constitution.

When contacted, Ngwu declined to comment on the allegations, citing the pendency of the court cases.

“These matters are already before the courts. I will not engage the media on issues raised by my opponents until the cases are concluded,” he said.

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