The Umuagba Imezi-Owa Autonomous Community, Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State, has elected a new traditional ruler after more than five years of leadership vacuum.
He is Chief Benedict Madubueze Adinde, who is to replace Igwe Eze Ozobu, the erstwhile Chief Judge of Enugu State and President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The much-anticipated Igweship election, held at the Community Primary School, Abonuzu, was conducted under a calm and transparent atmosphere, seen as one of the most credible traditional leadership selections in Ezeagu’s history.
The exercise was supervised by officials from the Enugu State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, while a delegation from Ezeagu Local Government, led by the Deputy Chairman and the Deputy Leader of the Legislative Council, monitored proceedings to ensure fairness and due process.
Security arrangements were tight, with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Neighbourhood Watch Group providing effective coverage that ensured a hitch-free process.
In compliance with the community’s constitution, each of the twelve villages making up Umuagba, Imezi-Owa presented ten delegates, seven males and three females, bringing the total of voters to 114 accredited voters.
All delegates cast valid votes in an Option A4 open ballot system that ensured transparency and accountability.
At the end of the keenly contested exercise, Chief Benedict Madubueze Adinde emerged as the Igwe-elect of Umuagba Imezi-Owa Autonomous Community, a result that sparked jubilation among indigenes and residents who described the outcome as “a divine restoration of unity and leadership.”
In his acceptance speech, Chief Adinde expressed gratitude to the Enugu State Government and the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, led by Deacon Okey Ogbodo, for their steadfast commitment to justice, transparency, and grassroots development. He pledged to lead with inclusiveness and repositioning the community for progress.
The Deputy Chairman of the LGA, Hon. Mrs. Nkiru Ugwuagu, commended the peaceful conduct of the people, congratulating the Igwe-elect and urging him to lead with wisdom, fairness, and accountability.
Similarly, the Deputy Leader of the Ezeagu Legislative Council, Hon. Obidimma Okafor, along with community leaders including Chief Linus Ndubuisi, Comr. Sylvanus, and Chief Felix Anah, applauded the credible and orderly process, noting that Umuagba Owa had “set a new benchmark in democratic discipline and community unity for others in Enugu State to emulate.”
Representing the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Ozoagu described the election as “a model of community-driven leadership transition,” praising the organizers for their coordination and commitment to due process.
In his closing remarks, the President General of Umuagba Owa, Comr. Sampson Ike, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the supervisory ministry, local government officials, and security agencies for ensuring a credible and peaceful election.
