Members of the Ikenga Umueri Unity Forum (IUUF) in Umueri community, Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, have called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently intervene in a growing leadership crisis threatening peace in the town.
The dispute centers on the process of selecting the next President General of the Umueri General Assembly (UGA).
The group accused key figures, including the Executive Chairman of Anambra East LGA, Ifeanyi Chinweze; the current President General of UGA, Chief Johny Metchie; and the Electoral Committee Chairman, Chief Eugene Aghaebe, of fueling the crisis through actions they described as disruptive and unfair.
In a statement signed by High Chief Dan Ekwevi (Leader), Dr. Chinedu Ekweonu (Secretary), and Chief Obi Monulu (Moderator), IUUF expressed concern that the ongoing tussle could destabilize the unity the community has enjoyed for years.
The group began by congratulating Governor Soludo on his second term and commending his administration for developmental strides in Anambra State.
They also appreciated the appointment of Dr. Egbune Okechi, an indigene of Umueri, as Deputy Chief of Staff.
IUUF explained that Umueri is made up of four administrative quarters—Ezi, Ikenga, Ivite, and Otuocha—and that leadership positions are traditionally rotated among them.
According to the group, positions allocated to each quarter are open to all residents of that quarter, regardless of their ancestral origin, provided they reside there.
They cited an example from the outgoing UGA administration, where individuals originally from Ivite quarter represented Otuocha because they lived there.
This practice, they noted, has long been accepted and has contributed to peaceful coexistence.
However, the current crisis arose as Ikenga quarter prepared to produce the next President General, in line with the established rotation system.
Postponement of election
The tenure of the present UGA leadership is scheduled to end on April 18, 2026, and an electoral committee led by Chief Aghaebe was inaugurated in January 2026 to oversee the transition.
The committee initially announced March 21, 2026, as the election date, and preparations reportedly proceeded smoothly.
However, just three days before the election, the President General, Chief Metchie, issued a letter postponing the election by three months—beyond the expiration of his tenure.
IUUF described this postponement as abrupt and unjustified, noting that it sparked widespread condemnation among stakeholders, especially in Ikenga quarter.
The group said it formally protested the decision in a letter dated March 19, 2026, but had yet to receive any response.
During the resulting period of uncertainty, IUUF alleged that the local government chairman, Ifeanyi Chinweze, held private meetings aimed at altering the existing zoning arrangement to the disadvantage of Ikenga quarter, which they described as the rightful stakeholder in Otuocha.
Their concerns intensified when, on March 28, 2026, a letter from the chairman’s office reportedly introduced a new power-sharing formula.
IUUF claimed this new arrangement contained provisions capable of creating division and conflict within the community.
The following day, the Electoral Committee Chairman, Chief Aghaebe, issued a fresh election notice that, according to IUUF, excluded Ikenga and Otuocha quarters entirely.
This development left aspirants and leaders from the affected quarters uncertain about their eligibility and roles in the election process, despite having already purchased forms and undergone screening.
Describing themselves as peace-loving stakeholders committed to the unity and progress of Umueri, IUUF appealed to Governor Soludo to intervene and restore order.
Undermining community peace
They warned that the actions of the accused individuals could undermine the stability the community has long maintained.
The group made several specific demands. They called on the President General to withdraw the postponement and any changes to the original zoning arrangement.
They also urged that the letter from the local government chairman be disregarded, arguing that it was issued without proper consultation and in bad faith.
Additionally, IUUF opposed what it termed the “micro-zoning” of positions within Otuocha quarter, describing it as unconstitutional and offensive to the people of Ikenga, whom they regard as the legitimate owners of Otuocha.
They further requested that the electoral committee be directed to resume the election process based on the original timetable and guidelines established before the disruption.
IUUF emphasized its commitment to justice, equity, and fairness, and urged the governor to act as an impartial leader in resolving the crisis.
They stressed that timely intervention would prevent the situation from escalating into a broader conflict capable of destabilizing the community.
The group concluded by appealing to Governor Soludo to call the parties involved to order and ensure that due process is followed, in order to preserve peace and uphold the integrity of Umueri’s traditional governance system.
