WOMEN IN IMO STAGE PROTEST OVER ALLEGED LG CHAIRMAN’S IMPOSITION OF TRADITIONAL RULER, PG
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
Women Protest Alleged Imposition of Traditional Ruler, PG in Imo Community
Women from Uzoagba Ancient Kingdom in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State on Friday staged a peaceful protest against the council chairman, Justice Nze, accusing him of imposing a traditional ruler and President General (PG) on the community in violation of established customs and procedures.
The protesters described the alleged action as unconstitutional, insisting it contravenes the community’s long-standing traditions governing the selection of its leaders.
The women marched to the Ikeduru Local Government Secretariat in Iho, where they gathered outside the chairman’s office carrying placards with messages including: “Respect Our Tradition,” “Uzoagba Ezeship Stool Is Not Hereditary,” “We Say No to the Imposition of an Eze in Uzoagba,” and “Uzoagba Deserves the Right to Choose Its Leaders Independently.”
Addressing journalists, the President-General of the Women Wing of the Uzoagba Development Union (UDU), Home and Abroad, Mrs. Maria Emetumba, said the demonstration was aimed at preventing a crisis in the community.
According to her, the community is committed to peace and urged the local government chairman to allow the court to determine the ongoing dispute before proceeding with any town union election.
Speaking on behalf of the women, the Secretary-General, Ezinne Patricia Ndukwu, read a communiqué jointly signed by the leadership of the women wing. She appealed to the council chairman to refrain from actions capable of disrupting the peaceful coexistence enjoyed by the community.
She stressed that the women reject what they described as the imposition of members of an electoral committee for the proposed Uzoagba Development Union and Ezeship elections.
“The position of Uzoagba President General is currently the subject of litigation before a court of competent jurisdiction and should not be interfered with to avoid contempt of court,” the communiqué stated.
Also speaking during the protest, the community’s Youth Leader, Michael Chibuike Okpara, urged the council chairman and his deputy to avoid actions that could trigger unrest, noting that Uzoagba has long been known for its unity and peaceful coexistence.
The Matron of the women wing, Bernadette Obiyor, also called on the chairman to respect the judicial process, arguing that conducting any election before the matter comes up in court on August 14, 2026, would amount to an abuse of court process.
Responding to the allegations, Ikeduru Local Government Chairman, Justice Nze, expressed dissatisfaction over the protest, stating that neither his office nor the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was informed before the demonstrators arrived at the council headquarters.
He maintained that his actions were in line with the law and aimed at preserving peace and stability in the community.
Nze also denied being aware that the matter was still pending before a court, saying he believed the case had already been concluded. He urged members of the community to avoid actions capable of causing tension or disrupting public peace.
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