A heated dispute has emerged in Obilonu Autonomous Community, located in Isuochi, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State. The conflict revolves around the alleged bestowal of chieftaincy honors by the community’s traditional ruler, Eze L.O. Uche, despite a court order prohibiting such actions.
Justice Enyinnaya Okezie of an Abia State High Court, sitting in Okpuala Ngwa, issued a restraining order on December 17, 2025. The order barred Eze Uche and two other respondents from granting chieftaincy titles until a substantive application before the court is resolved.
Emeka Chukwunenye, the applicant in the case and a member of the community council, has voiced strong concerns. He alleges that the traditional ruler proceeded to confer chieftaincy titles, thereby ignoring the court’s directive. Chukwunenye filed the suit on behalf of the Council and the Obilonu Town Development Union, Umunneochi LGA.
According to Chukwunenye, the monarch failed to consult the Obilonu Town Development Union before making crucial decisions affecting the community. He claims this disregard for the court order, referenced as Suit No. HIN/FR276/2025, has escalated tensions and violates Article 18 of the Obilonu Community Constitution.
Chukwunenye stated, “The court explicitly instructed that no chieftaincy titles or similar honors should be given to community members without proper consultation with the Council and the Obilonu Town Development Union, as mandated by the community constitution.”
In response, Eze L.O. Uche explained on Tuesday that he only received verbal information about the court order after the five-day period for service had expired. He maintained that the applicant did not provide him with proof of service, making it impossible to halt a previously planned community event abruptly.
The traditional ruler clarified, “The judge directed that I be served proof of service within five days from the order’s date, but he approached me after those five days were over. I never received or signed any document as proof of service.”
Eze Uche also refuted allegations that he excluded his cabinet members from decision-making processes.