Imo Community Protests Alleged Imposition of Interim Executive by Local Council Chair

Residents of Obiangwu Autonomous Community in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State have staged a protest against what they describe as the unlawful imposition of an Interim Town Union Executive by the local council chairperson, Mrs. Chika Ibekwe, without community consultation.

The protesters, led by community elders and stakeholders, marched to the offices of the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Mr. Chike Olembe, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Ruby Emele. Both officials assured the protesters that their concerns would be addressed.

According to the community leaders, the interim executive was handpicked by Mrs. Ibekwe and the Leader of the Ngor-Okpala Legislative Council, Mr. Chibuike Agbuba, despite prior cancellation of the Town Union election by the Commissioner. They accused both officials of disregarding due process and community customs.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Chief Theophilus Okere condemned the alleged actions of Mr. Agbuba, citing “high-handedness, disrespect, and betrayal of trust,” and called for his suspension.

Chief Okere emphasized that leadership in Obiangwu follows a long-established rotational arrangement, and it is now the turn of the Emele clan to produce the next President-General, following previous terms served by Eze Obiangwu and the Kweraza clan.

He said the protest reflects the growing discontent within the community and called for urgent intervention to restore peace, ensure respect for tradition, and implement a transparent selection process for the town union leadership.