Imo Women Protest Alleged Imposition of Traditional Ruler, President General in Uzoagba Community

Tension is mounting in Uzoagba Ancient Kingdom in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State as women from the community staged a peaceful protest over the alleged imposition of a traditional ruler and President General by the local government chairman.

The protesters marched to the Ikeduru Local Government Secretariat in Iho on Friday, accusing the council chairman, Justice Nze, of bypassing the community’s customs and established procedures in matters relating to traditional leadership.

Carrying placards with messages including “Respect Our Tradition,” “Uzoagba Ezeship Stool Is Not Hereditary,” and “We Say No to the Imposition of an Eze in Uzoagba,” the women insisted that leadership positions in the community must emerge through due process rather than political interference.

Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, the President-General of the Women Wing of the Uzoagba Development Union (UDU), Home and Abroad, Mrs. Maria Emetumba, said the protest was aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order in the community.

She appealed to the local government chairman to suspend any planned town union election until the court delivers its judgment on the ongoing dispute.

A communiqué read by the Secretary-General of the women wing, Ezinne Patricia Ndukwu, warned against the alleged appointment 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, therefore, should not be interfered with in order 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 capable of disrupting the peace that Uzoagba has enjoyed over the years.

Similarly, the matron of the women wing, Bernadette Obiyor, argued that conducting any election before the matter returns to court on August 14, 2026, would amount to an abuse of judicial process.

Responding to the allegations, Ikeduru Local Government Chairman Justice Nze denied acting outside the law. He also expressed disappointment that the protest was held without prior notification to his office or the Divisional Police Officer.

Nze maintained that every action taken was intended to preserve peace and stability in Uzoagba. He further stated that he was unaware the dispute was still before the court, saying he believed the case had already been concluded. He urged members of the community to remain calm and avoid actions that could fuel unrest.