Ngwoma-Obube crisis: Elders reject non-royal candidate, blast Eze Jud-e Nwogu, Alex Mbata, Bernard Anyanwu

The Ngwoma-Obube Ancient Kingdom in Owerri North LGA, Imo State, is engulfed in tension following a bitter dispute over the succession to the throne of the late Eze Andrew Onukogu.

On May 29, the people of Obube Autonomous Community formally presented Crown Prince Kemakolam U. Onukogu—the first son of the late Eze Dr. Andrew Onukogu—as their Eze-elect, in line with the hereditary succession tradition of the community.

Supporters of the Onukogu Royal Family said that the throne is hereditary and remains the birthright of the royal family, which has been the custodian of the stool for generations.

However, tension escalated after some individuals, reportedly backed by political interests, allegedly attempted to impose Mr. Chinedu Ekeocha, described by many community members as a “stranger element,” as Eze-elect.

Other figures mentioned in connection with the controversy include Eze Jude Chidi Nwogu of Egbelu Obube Autonomous Community, Mr. Alex Mbata, and Mr. Bernard Sunday Anyanwu (PA to Mr. Mbata).

Community Leaders Condemn “Sacrilege”
In a letter dated June 25, 2025, the President General of Obube Autonomous Community, Mr. Ephraim Anuforo, denounced the activities of what he called “impostors and self-acclaimed Ndi Oha,” who allegedly conducted an illegal plebiscite to select Chinedu Ekeocha.

He also warned against the actions of a “fake President-General,” Mr. Power Akwazie, who purportedly presented Ekeocha as Eze-elect to the Executive Chairman of Owerri North LGA.

Prominent indigene Chief Albert Ahanonu (Arufuaku Chukwubuikem 1 of Umuokobo Obube) also condemned the act, calling it a sacrilege and reaffirming that the Ngwoma-Obube throne is strictly hereditary and belongs to the Onukogu Royal Family.

The component villages and elders of the community, through various statements, reiterated that the Ezeship cannot be decided by election or plebiscite but follows hereditary lineage.

They described the purported selection of Ekeocha as “illegal and unacceptable,” stressing that the throne cannot be taken by an outsider with no royal lineage.

Villages Issue Disclaimer
In a statement dated June 18, 2025, the Umuozuru Village Family Meeting disassociated itself from a congratulatory message endorsing Chinedu Ekeocha.

“We hereby note that Dr Charles Nzeakor and Mr Uche Ekeocha were neither authorized nor have the capacity to act on behalf of Umuzuru kindred and such publication is null, void and of no effect. Whatever decision they have taken in the past pertaining to the Ezeship tussle does not have the approval of Ndi Umuzuru.”

The statement, signed by Nze Peter Nze (Chairman), Mr. Joseph Akalugwu (Secretary), Mr. Sylvester Uzodimma (Member), and Mr. Donatus Nwachukwu (Member), further confirmed that Mr. Theodore Oparaaocha had been removed as a member of the Umuoro Village Association for renouncing his involvement in village affairs.

Journalist Alleges Assault During Royal Event Coverage
The crisis took a new dimension on July 30 when journalist Eberegbulam Luke Kelechi alleged that he was assaulted and temporarily detained by police officers attached to Agbala Division while covering the welcoming ceremony of Crown Prince Kemakolam Onukogu.

He claimed that police officers blocked the entrance to the Onukogu Royal Palace, preventing caterers, guests and a live band from entering.

He alleged that he was beaten, arrested, and had his phone seized on the orders of the Divisional Police Officer while attempting to film the event. The phone was returned hours later, and he was ordered to leave.

Kelechi further alleged that police fired tear gas at some guests, forcing him and other attendees, including elderly women, to flee for safety.

Calls for Government Intervention
Elders, town union leaders, and stakeholders have warned that the attempt to impose a non-royal candidate threatens peace and tradition in Ngwoma-Obube.

They called on the government to intervene to prevent a breakdown of law and order and to uphold the community’s long-standing hereditary succession system.

A native of the community, Chief Albert Ahanonu a.k.a Arufuoaku Chukwubuikem 1 of Umuchoko Obube, expressed strong disapproval of the unfolding events. Quoting civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., he stated, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

High Chief Ahanonu said he could not remain silent in the face of what he described as a blatant desecration of the age-long tradition of Ngwoma-Obube. He stressed that the hereditary succession to the throne of the community is a sacred custom that must not be compromised for political or selfish interests.

He condemned the attempt to impose Mr. Chinedu Ekeocha, whom he described as a “stranger element,” as the Eze-elect against the will of the people and the hereditary rights of the Onukogu Royal Family. According to him, the presentation of a non-royal candidate amounts to cultural sacrilege and an affront to the history and values of the community.

High Chief Ahanonu urged the Imo State Government and relevant authorities to intervene promptly, warning that the continued subversion of tradition could lead to unrest and division in the once peaceful community.

He further called on elders, youth, and stakeholders to remain resolute in defending the community’s heritage and ensuring that the throne remains with its rightful custodians, the Onukogu Royal Family.