… Flays attack on Herbert Chikwe
We write to set the record straight regarding the misleading and politically motivated petition circulated by certain individuals who continue to attempt to undermine the peace, legality, and unity of Umuakaliukwu Autonomous Community in Emekuku.
**1. SELECTIVE AMNESIA AND CONTRADICTIONS**
It is disheartening to see some of the same individuals—namely *Chief Emeka Ihenacho*, *Ambrose Ejiogu*, and their associates—who dragged Late *Eze C.C. Njoku (JP)* to court over the distortion of the 2000 Constitution, now turning around to position themselves as guardians of that same monarch’s legacy. Court records clearly document their opposition to Eze Njoku’s unilateral amendments, which they deemed illegal at the time. It is, therefore, ironic and hypocritical that they now cite the same constitution—crafted and maintained without Development Union approval—as the bedrock of their claims.
**2. THE DEVELOPMENT UNION AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL PROCESS**
Unlike the self-appointed group of Eze’s former nominees parading themselves as kingmakers, the **Development Union**—comprising representatives duly nominated by the four villages—remains the only legally recognized and constitutionally empowered body to oversee leadership transitions, including the appointment of a Regent.
For the avoidance of doubt, *Chief Herbert Chikwe* and *Francis Ejiogu* were the nominees from Umuakuru village to the Development Union, as officially documented and signed. This Union acted lawfully by appointing *Chief Herbert Chikwe* as the Regent following the death of Eze Njoku, in accordance with the constitutional mandate to prevent a power vacuum and midwife a transparent succession process.
**3. SMEAR CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHIEF HERBERT CHIKWE**
The repeated attempts to discredit *Chief Chikwe* are nothing but an orchestrated character assassination driven by personal grievances and a refusal to accept a legitimate process. Not only was Chief Chikwe a duly appointed Cabinet leader by Eze CC Njoku (with documented evidence), but he also served as acting head of the Cabinet whenever the Eze traveled. Eze Njoku *never rescinded* this appointment, and it is on record that he handed over affairs to Chief Chikwe during his absences. The only reason for Chief Chikwe’s eventual withdrawal from Eze’s inner circle was his principled opposition to the unconstitutional personal constitution of 2003—a stance that echoes the position of the same accusers.
**4. ILLEGAL CONTINUATION OF A DISSOLVED CABINET**
Upon the death of an Eze, the constitution is clear: the Cabinet appointed by him is automatically dissolved, as their tenure is tied solely to the monarch’s reign. Therefore, Ambrose Ejiogu, Paddy Obinna, Emeka Ihenacho, and others *have no constitutional authority* to continue meeting or to act on behalf of the community. They were nominees of Eze Njoku—not the community—and thus have no legal standing to represent the people or to appoint a successor.
Their actions, including appointing an unrecognized President General and organizing shadow meetings, are in direct violation of the law and have been formally cautioned by the Development Union. Their audacity is further emboldened by Ambrose Ejiogu’s boastful claim that “the Governor is his friend,” a statement that reflects political arrogance, not community service.
**5. THE EZE-ELECT CONFUSION**
The claim that *Dr. Aloysius Nnaji* was chosen as Eze-Elect is not only false but laughable. Evidence shows that Dr. Nnaji himself participated in the process that produced *Eze Eugene Ihenacho*, who was duly selected and presented to the Imo State Government by the constitutionally recognized Development Union. Additionally, their reliance on the 2003 constitution (which they once opposed) backfires—**it clearly states that Ezeship is hereditary.** Dr. Nnaji is neither a son nor a relative of Late Eze Njoku and thus is not qualified to inherit the stool under the very document they cite.
**6. GOVERNMENT RECOGNITION AND LEGITIMACY**
The current **President General, Mr. Cyril Nwaforo**, is legally recognized by the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, Owerri North LGA, and gazetted by the Government of Imo State. He also chairs the Development Union and has been transparent, inclusive, and constitutionally compliant throughout the transition process. His leadership remains unquestioned in the eyes of the law.
On April 5th, 2025, **His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma (ONWA)**, acting on the recommendations of the legally recognized community leadership, issued the staff of office and certificate of recognition to *Eze Eugene Ihenacho*. This was not an imposition but a ratification of due process led by the rightful authorities.
**In Conclusion**
The authors of the misleading petition are attempting to rewrite history and manipulate facts to serve their personal and political ambitions. Their actions continue to threaten the peace and cohesion of Umuakaliukwu, and we urge the public, the Government of Imo State, and all well-meaning citizens to disregard their falsehoods.
We reaffirm our loyalty to the Executive Governor of Imo State and the laws of the land. We stand with *Eze Eugene Ihenacho* as the duly elected and recognized traditional ruler of Umuakaliukwu Autonomous Community.
Long live Imo State!
Long live Umuakaliukwu Autonomous Community!!
Long live our duly elected Eze!!
