HURIWA To Enugu Gov. Mbah: Traditional Rulers Are Not Political Appointees

By Ayodele Oni

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has described the action by the Enugu State Government to suspend the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Opi Ogbozalla Autonomous Community in Nsukka Local Government Area, HRH Igwe Williams (Willy) Ezugwu, as a dangerous assault on the dignity of the traditional institution and an unacceptable descent into political intimidation

Condemning the action, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA Coordinator, in a statement, “says it is utterly disgraceful that a traditional ruler could be suspended in circumstances coming so closely after he received Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in his palace.”

The association pointed out that the reported offence appears to be nothing more than receiving a fellow Igbo man, welcoming a former governor and praying for his visitor.

HURIWA asked Governor Peter Mbah: “Is receiving Peter Obi now a crime in Enugu State? Is praying for a visitor now an offence punishable by suspension?

“If there is another reason for the suspension, HURIWA demands that Governor Mbah immediately publish it and present the evidence before Nigerians.”

The rights group says maintained that Enugu Government cannot hide behind the vague phrase “persistent misconduct” while leaving citizens to connect the suspension with the monarch’s reported meeting with an opposition presidential candidate.

HURIWA demands answers: “Where is the evidence that Peter Obi’s visit constituted misconduct? Where is the evidence that the monarch breached any specific provision of the Traditional Rulers Law?

“Where is the record of the allegations against him? Where is the evidence that he was given fair hearing before this punitive action was taken?

“Was the APC presidential candidate seeking to visit the same traditional ruler, and did the monarch refuse to receive him? If so, where is the evidence?”

The association warned Governor Mbah that traditional rulers are not political appointees to be publicly humiliated whenever they receive people considered politically inconvenient by the government of the day.

“The palace is not a political party office. A traditional ruler is not a political foot soldier. And receiving Peter Obi is not, in itself, a criminal offence.”

HURIWA cauctioned that the Enugu State Government must stop dragging the revered traditional institution into the bitter politics of 2027.

The rights group noted that it is particularly disturbing that an institution deeply rooted in Igbo history, culture and communal leadership could allegedly be subjected to such treatment merely because a political visitor entered a traditional palace.