The High Court of Enugu State has delivered a judgment affirming the authority of the Enugu State Government to intervene in community affairs, while validating the Caretaker Committee installed to oversee the Obeagu-Ugwuaji Development Union.
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In the ruling on SUIT NO: E/508M/2025, Obi Chukwunonso Freedom & Ors. v. HRH Igwe Christopher Ikenga Nyia & Ors., Hon. Justice C. A. Ogbuabor (PhD.) on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, set aside an earlier order granting leave for judicial review and prohibition against the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Matters.
The plaintiffs — Mr. Chukwunonso Obi Freedom, Obi Ekene, Ani Cyril, and Egbo Romanus — had challenged their removal by the Commissioner, Hon. Deacon Okey Ogbodo, after the expiration of their tenure in July 2025 and the formal dissolution of their executive on May 26, 2025. Despite this, they allegedly continued to act as union leaders, issuing threats, intimidating stakeholders, and even destroying government property to retain control.
Delivering judgment, Justice Ogbuabor upheld the submissions of Ikechukwu Onuoma, SAN, counsel to HRH Igwe Christopher Nyia and the State, declaring the Caretaker Committee led by Hon. Okuwudili Joseph as the duly constituted body to manage the community’s affairs.
“The Caretaker Committee is the lawful organ to pilot the affairs of the Obeagu-Ugwuaji Town Union,” the court held, stressing that the state government acted within its powers to restore order and protect community development.
The judgment has been widely described as a precedent-setting decision, reinforcing the legitimacy of HRH Igwe Christopher Nyia, the recognized traditional ruler of Obeagu-Ugwuaji, whose leadership had been undermined by the ousted executives.
Reacting after the ruling, Igwe Nyia said: “Today’s judgment is not just a personal vindication it is a victory for truth, peace, and the people of Obeagu-Ugwuaji. We thank the Enugu State Government for standing firm in defense of justice and community development. Let this mark the beginning of healing and progress for our people.”
Also speaking, Hon. Okuwudili Joseph, Chairman of the affirmed Caretaker Committee, expressed gratitude to the court and stakeholders: “This is a triumph of justice and law. I thank His Royal Highness, Igwe Christopher Ikenga Nyia, for his royal support, and the firm of Obra Legal for their industry and dexterity in seeing this through. This victory is not just for us — it is for the entire community, the Ministry for Local Government, Rural Development & Chieftaincy Affairs, and Enugu State at large.”
He extended an olive branch to aggrieved parties: “I urge those sympathetic to the dissolved executive to sheath their grievances and cooperate with the Caretaker Committee for the good of our community.”
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