The Enugu State Government has issued a firm warning to Town Unions across the state, declaring that any escalation of community conflict will henceforth be interpreted as a failure of leadership and could attract serious legal consequences, including dissolution and the appointment of caretaker committees.
This position was unequivocally stated by the Commissioner for Local Government and Rural Development, Deacon Okey A. Ogbodo, during the first interactive meeting of 2026 with Presidents-General of Town Unions in Enugu State. The meeting formed part of the state government’s deliberate efforts to reposition grassroots governance structures and ensure their full alignment with the bold development agenda of Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner explained that recent ministerial restructuring by the Mbah administration, particularly the establishment of a standalone Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, was designed to enhance efficiency, accountability, and service delivery in community administration. According to him, the restructuring reflects the government’s resolve to eliminate overlaps, strengthen institutional clarity, and fast-track development at the community level.
Ogbodo clarified that responsibilities relating to the registration, regulation, and renewal of Town Unions, social clubs, and community-based organisations have now been transferred to the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs. However, he emphasized that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development retains its core mandate over Local Government administration and rural development, especially in critical areas such as conflict management, community development, and grassroots mobilisation.
He outlined the Ministry’s statutory responsibilities to include conflict prevention, management and resolution; administration of community development; mobilisation of communities for self-help initiatives; coordination of development programmes; rural development planning and execution; community orientation and awareness creation; as well as the provision of basic rural infrastructure. The Commissioner stressed that these responsibilities are to be carried out in close partnership with Town Unions, whom he described as indispensable stakeholders in grassroots governance.
Backing his position with legal authority, Ogbodo cited several laws that empower the Ministry, including the Enugu State Community Development Law, the Enugu State Rural Development Authority Law, the Fund for Rural Development Law, the Fire Service Law, the Local Government Law, and other relevant statutes governing local governance and rural development in the state.
He reiterated that the cardinal responsibility of Town Unions remains the promotion of peace, unity, and sustainable development within their communities. While acknowledging that conflicts may occasionally arise, often from disputes over traditional rulership, Town Union elections and leadership tussles, or disagreements surrounding development projects, he stressed that Town Unions are expected to promptly engage the Ministry for lawful intervention rather than allow such disputes to degenerate.
“In this context, any escalation of community conflict will be viewed as a failure on the part of the Town Union,” the Commissioner declared, assuring community leaders that the Ministry remains open, accessible, and committed to dialogue-driven conflict resolution.
Ogbodo further warned that any Town Union that abandons its mandate of fostering peace and development and instead becomes an obstacle to progress risks being dissolved and replaced with a caretaker committee. He explained that this authority is clearly provided under Section 26, subsections 1 to 4 of the Fund for Rural Development Law, Cap 82 of 1991.
He also cautioned against the proliferation of parallel or illegal caretaker committees, noting that Section 27 of the same law prescribes penalties, including fines or a six-month jail term, for anyone who sets up, or aids and abets the setting up of, a rival caretaker committee outside the one lawfully constituted by the Ministry.
Describing Governor Mbah’s development agenda as bold, people-centred, and results-driven, the Commissioner emphasized that its success is heavily dependent on the total commitment of communities and their leadership structures. He urged Town Unions to fully align with the governor’s vision in order to position Enugu State to take maximum advantage of emerging national political and economic opportunities.
He assured Town Union leaders that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development remains a dependable partner in progress, working tirelessly to ensure effective community administration and the seamless alignment of grassroots institutions with the state government’s innovative socio-political and development blueprint.
Speaking on behalf of Town Union leaders, the State President-General Coordinator, Hon. Arinze Ogbodo, commended Governor Mbah for what he described as unprecedented transformative projects across Enugu State, with particular impact in rural communities. He reaffirmed the readiness of Town Unions to partner with the state government in delivering sustainable development, while appealing for improved monthly stipends, enhanced mobilisation support, and greater official recognition of Town Union leadership in government programmes and initiatives.
The interactive session concluded with a strong call on Town Union leaders to embrace responsible service, proactive engagement, and decisive action in line with the progressive, reform-oriented, and people-focused agenda of the Enugu State Government.
