A Member of the Enugu State House of Assembly representing Igbo-Eze South Constituency, Hon. Harrison Ogara, has raised a red flag over an alleged plot by the Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters to subvert the will of the people of Alor-Agu Community by announcing the loser of a recent Igweship election as the winner.
In an open letter addressed to Deacon Okey Ogbodo, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ogara expressed deep concern that despite the March 25, 2025 election being peacefully conducted and widely adjudged as free, fair, and credible, there are rumours that the Ministry is making moves to install Mr. Okwu Omeke, who lost the election, as the traditional ruler.
According to Hon. Ogara, the election was duly monitored by officials from the Ministry, including himself as a designated observer from the State Assembly. He noted that Mr. Christian Ugwuanyi polled 694 votes, while Mr. Okwu Omeke scored 622 votes. However, he stated that before the final announcement of results could be made, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Town Union, Mr. Obumneke Eze, fled the scene, even though he was the designated official to declare the outcome.
Three weeks after the election, no official communication has been made by the Ministry, a development which has sparked tension and suspicion in the community.
“I am surprised that about three weeks after the election, the Ministry was yet to make any public statement on the matter. Today, news is rife that your Ministry has allegedly concluded plans to announce the loser of the election (Okwu Omeke) as the winner,” Hon. Ogara wrote.
He warned that such a move could ignite serious crisis in the Alor-Agu community and called on the Ministry to uphold the integrity of the process by declaring Mr. Ugwuanyi the rightful winner.
The lawmaker also noted that the election was monitored to conclusion by the Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government, Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, further lending credibility to the outcome.
“To arrest any brewing breach of law and order in the community, I advise that you invite the winner of the election and declare him as such,” Hon. Ogara appealed.
The lawmaker’s intervention highlights growing concerns about transparency and fairness in local leadership selections, especially in traditional institutions. The Enugu State Government is yet to issue an official response.
