Obazu Town Union Seeks Suspension of Eze Over Alleged Incapacitation

The Obazu Town Union in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State has formally petitioned the state government seeking the suspension of its traditional ruler, Eze Francis Elendu Agunwa, over alleged incapacitation.

The President-General of the community, Town Planner Iheanyi Abaekwume, made the appeal during an interview with journalists in Owerri on Saturday, February 14. He expressed concern that certain individuals were allegedly taking advantage of the monarch’s reported health challenges to create division within the community.

According to Abaekwume, some persons have been making decisions purportedly on the authority of the traditional ruler, despite claims that the monarch neither authorised nor was in a position to authorise such actions due to his medical condition.

The former General Manager of the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) recalled that the monarch had previously faced suspension on similar grounds during the administration of former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, before being reinstated.

He further alleged that the monarch, who resides abroad, has not presided over community meetings or formally addressed the people for approximately 18 years, following the onset of his health challenges. Abaekwume added that even when the royal father was brought back to the community, he was reportedly unable to actively participate in proceedings.

The President-General also claimed that individuals he described as having assumed royal authority announced the dissolution of the Eze’s cabinet in December 2025 without reconstituting a new one. He said they subsequently appointed Ugochukwu Aguguam as Traditional Prime Minister (TPM), a position he argued is not formally recognised within the traditional leadership framework of Imo State or the Obazu community.

Abaekwume described the TPM office as nominal and alleged that Mr Aguguam had announced plans to establish a committee to conduct elections for the Obazu Town Union, claiming to have received directives from the monarch.

He maintained that suspending the traditional ruler would align with the state government’s policy that EZE should reside within and administer their domains from their respective communities. He further contended that the Eze should step aside if he is no longer able to discharge the functions of his office or represent the community at official engagements.

In a related development, Abaekwume commended the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, for the relative peace and security recorded across the state during the recent festive season. He attributed the improved security situation to the support provided by the government to security agencies.

He also praised the security training initiatives extended to youths in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, describing them as a constructive measure toward enhancing community safety.