Mburubu elders appeal court ruling on Ezeship tussle

From Magnus Eze, Enugu

The Mburubu General Assembly on Saturday announced that it has appealed the judgment of the Enugu State High Court, which ordered a fresh election over the traditional rulership tussle in the community.

Counsel to the assembly, Chijioke Odueze, said the ruling was not only surprising but also a clear case of injustice against the will of the people.

He stated that for the court to acknowledge both the 1976 and 2003 constitutions of the community, only to disregard the former in favour of the latter, was not just astonishing but also a travesty of justice.

He further disclosed that the group had filed a stay of execution of the judgment, pending the determination of their appeal.

“There were people contesting for the traditional leadership of Mburubu, which is currently held by Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe. The matter was slated for judgment on February 12, where the trial judge, Hon. Justice Egbe, ordered a fresh election and the use of the 2003 constitution, which is not known to anybody,” Odueze said.

He confirmed that a notice of appeal had been duly filed and expressed confidence that the appellate court would ensure justice prevailed.

He reiterated that the 1976 constitution remains the only known and widely accepted document guiding the traditional leadership structure of Mburubu.

He continued: “This was the same constitution under which the late Igwe, HRH Igwe E.M.O. Ezeh, was elected and enthroned without dispute. It is, therefore, illogical to impose an unfamiliar document on the people at this point.”

He warned that any attempt to enforce the judgment without exhausting all legal processes would amount to a direct affront to the customs and traditions of the community.

Meanwhile, the Ndị Nze na Ọzọ Mburubu and Akwa Mburubu, the highest traditional groups in the community, also threw their weight behind the 1976 constitution, noting that it was the legally recognised framework for kingship selection.

They maintained that it was under this same constitution that the late traditional ruler, Igwe E.M.O. Ezeh, was rightfully enthroned.

While the judgment left the community in shock, its leaders and stakeholders called on the government and relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served by upholding the decision of the people.

They said the people of Mburubu remained resolute in their support for Onuokaibe, expressing confidence that the appellate court would set aside the judgment and reaffirm his position as their rightful traditional ruler.

They insisted that any attempt to subvert their choice would not only violate their customs but could also lead to unnecessary unrest.

Regardless, the Igwe-elect, Onuokaibe, reassured them of a just resolution.