Fresh controversy has engulfed Obinolu Autonomous Community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State following allegations that its traditional ruler, HRM Eze Ambassador L.O. Uche, proceeded with the conferment of chieftaincy titles despite a subsisting interim order of the Abia State High Court restraining such action.
The dispute, which has continued to generate tension within and outside the community, is the subject of a suit pending before the High Court sitting in Okpuala Ngwa.
The case, marked HIN/FR276/2025, was instituted by Mr Emeka Chukwunenye on behalf of the Council and the Obinolu Town Development Union (OTDU), challenging the authority of the traditional ruler and other respondents to independently confer chieftaincy titles on sons and daughters of the community without consultation with the union, as allegedly required by the community’s constitution.
Joined as respondents in the suit are HRM Eze Ambassador L.O. Uche, Chief Sir G.U. Mgborukwe and Mr Raphael Maduka.
According to court documents, the applicant sought declarations and injunctive reliefs restraining the respondents from proceeding with a planned chieftaincy title conferment ceremony scheduled for December 30, 2025.
The applicant contended that the proposed action contravened Article 18 of the Constitution of Obinolu Autonomous Community and infringed on the rights of members of the union to freedom of association and assembly as guaranteed under Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
In an interim order delivered on December 17, 2025, Justice Enyinnaya Okezie restrained the respondents, their agents, privies and anyone acting on their behalf from proceeding with the planned conferment of chieftaincy titles pending the determination of the substantive application before the court.
The court further directed that no chieftaincy titles or similar honours should be conferred on members of the community without consultation with the Council and the Obinolu Town Development Union, in accordance with the provisions of the community’s constitution.
However, despite the subsisting order, reports from the community alleged that the traditional ruler went ahead with the conferment ceremony, a development that has reportedly deepened divisions among stakeholders and heightened concerns over compliance with judicial directives.
Some community sources further alleged that the monarch had, on previous occasions, acted contrary to court directives, a claim that could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
The controversy has also drawn attention to provisions of the Obinolu Autonomous Community Constitution relating to the powers and responsibilities of the traditional ruler.
Under Article 9 of the constitution, the Eze is required to conduct himself with dignity, remain above corrupt practices and uphold the sanctity of the traditional institution. Article 10 designates the traditional ruler as the custodian of the customs and traditions of the community, while mandating him to promote peace, harmony and stability.
The constitution also establishes the Council of Ichies and Chiefs, known as Nnakaeze in Council, as an advisory and executive body expected to work with the traditional ruler on major community matters.
Court filings by the applicant argued that the powers of the traditional ruler are not absolute and must be exercised in consultation with the Obinolu Town Development Union and other recognised community structures.
The applicant further maintained that bypassing the union in the chieftaincy title conferment process amounted to a violation of the constitutional framework governing the autonomous community.
Legal documents before the court also emphasised that associations and unions are bound by their constitutions and that no individual or authority should act outside the provisions of such governing instruments.
The matter has continued to attract reactions from indigenes and observers, many of whom have expressed concern over the implications of the dispute for peace, unity and traditional governance in the community.
With the substantive suit still pending before the court, attention is now focused on the next stage of the legal proceedings and the possible consequences of any proven violation of the interim order issued by the High Court.
Efforts by our correspondent to reach HRM Eze Ambassador L.O. Uche for his reaction to the allegations were unsuccessful, as his mobile telephone line was not reachable at the time of filing this report.
