Enugu protesters seek investigation into traditional ruler’s conduct
Indigenes of Agunese Mmaku Autonomous Community in Enugu State have petitioned Governor Peter Mbah to suspend their traditional ruler, Cyprian Maduabuchi Nevobasi, pending an investigation into allegations of intimidation and interference in community affairs. The allegations have not been independently verified, and the monarch was unavailable for comment.
Indigenes of Agunese Mmaku Autonomous Community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State have asked Governor Peter Mbah to suspend their traditional ruler, HRH Cyprian Maduabuchi Nevobasi, pending an investigation into allegations of intimidation, harassment and abuse of office. The protesters marched from Okpara Square to the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and then to the Government House in Enugu. Their allegations were contained in a September 23 petition signed by the community’s legal adviser, Vincent Okafor.
The protesters accused the monarch of interfering in town union affairs, frustrating electoral processes and using his influence to intimidate or cause the arrest of community members. The allegations have not been independently verified, and the traditional ruler was unavailable for comment at the time of the report. The petition said a dispute over the traditional stool had lasted for more than two decades and had contributed to deaths and prolonged conflict.
It alleged that a youth initiative formed in 2021 to address community problems raised N6m to support a new town union executive. The community further alleged that a town union election scheduled for December 30, 2021, was disrupted. It also claimed that petitions later led to the arrest and prolonged detention of several indigenes over alleged links with outlawed groups.
The petition called for due process in all criminal cases. The protesters said another crisis occurred on September 18, 2026, when three town union officials were allegedly abducted before an election to choose a new executive. They claimed the incident was intended to prevent the poll and said plans were subsequently made to establish a caretaker committee.
They urged the governor to release community members they said remained in detention and suspend Nevobasi so an independent investigation could determine the facts. They said government intervention was necessary to restore peace and confidence in community leadership.
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