Women from Uzoagba Ancient Kingdom in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State have protested against the alleged imposition of a traditional ruler and President General (PG), urging the council chairman to respect the judicial process and the community’s traditional leadership structure.
The women staged the peaceful demonstration on Friday at the Ikeduru Local Government headquarters in Iho, carrying placards with inscriptions including “Respect Our Tradition,” “We Say No to the Imposition of an Eze in Uzoagba,” and “Uzoagba Deserves the Right to Choose Its Leaders Independently.”
Speaking during the protest, Mrs Maria Emetumba, President General of the Women Wing of the Uzoagba Development Union (UDU), Home and Abroad, said the demonstration was aimed at preventing a crisis in the community and appealed to the council chairman to allow the court to determine the matter before conducting any town union election.
Also presenting a communiqué jointly signed by the women’s leadership, Ezinne Patricia Ndukwu, Secretary-General of the women’s wing, warned against the alleged imposition of an electoral committee for the proposed Uzoagba Development Union and Ezeship elections.
According to the communiqué, the office of the community’s President General is currently the subject of litigation before a competent court, and any attempt to proceed with an election could amount to contempt of court.
The Youth Leader of the community, Michael Chibuike Okpara, urged the local government authorities to avoid actions capable of disrupting the peace and unity for which Uzoagba is known.
Similarly, Bernadette Obiyor, matron of the women’s wing, called on the council to respect the judicial process, noting that the matter is scheduled to come up in court on August 14, 2026.
Responding to the allegations, Justice Nze, Chairman of Ikeduru Local Government Area, denied imposing a traditional ruler or President General on the community.
He said his actions were lawful and intended to preserve peace and stability, adding that neither his office nor the Divisional Police Officer was notified before the protesters arrived at the council headquarters.
Nze also stated that he was unaware the matter was still pending before the court, maintaining that he believed the case had already been concluded.
He urged members of the community to remain peaceful and pursue all grievances through lawful channels to avoid actions capable of causing unrest.
