- Enugu monarch and his son detained over community crisis allegations.
- Monarch’s children appeal to Governor Mbah for their father’s release.
- Dispute involves claims of arson, illegal mining, and community leadership conflict.
The children of 86-year-old traditional ruler of Akpakume in Udi Local Government Area, Igwe Ekwueme Odenigbo, have made a heartfelt appeal to Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State to intervene in securing the release of their blind and aged father, currently detained alongside his son, Solomon Ekwueme, in Enugu Correctional Service Centre.
The monarch and his son were arrested on January 9, 2025, following a petition filed by a prominent community member, Mr. Livinus Okolo, also known as Zion.
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The arrest stemmed from allegations of arson and illegal activities within the community.
The monarch’s children also appealed to Senator Osita Ngwu and Udi Local Government Chairman, Engr. Hyginus Agu, to intervene.
The family recounted the ordeal in an emotional letter titled “Unlawful Incarceration of Our 86-Year-Old Father.”
They alleged that on December 23, 2024, Mr. Okolo and armed associates attacked their father’s palace, claiming to have dethroned him and accusing him of illegal mining. The attack reportedly led to irate youths retaliating by damaging Okolo’s property, escalating tensions in the community.
The situation worsened after Okolo accused the monarch of orchestrating the destruction of his home, resulting in the arrest of Igwe Odenigbo and Solomon.
A magistrate court subsequently remanded them in custody. The monarch’s children described their father as a retired pastor and a nonviolent man, pleading for his release on humanitarian grounds.
Mr. Okolo, in his defense, denied the allegations and accused the monarch of inciting violence, which he claimed led to the destruction of 14 houses and community losses estimated at over ₦30 billion.
He also alleged that the monarch and his associates authorized mining operations without state approval, fueling the crisis.
The Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Okey Ogbodo, confirmed that the monarch had been suspended for undermining the state government by granting mining permissions to a private company, Eta-Zuma Mining, without proper authorization.
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As tensions persist, the monarch’s children have called on Governor Mbah and well-meaning Nigerians to ensure their father’s release, emphasizing his fragile health and advanced age.
The community remains divided, with accusations and counteraccusations escalating the crisis.
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