Traditional stool tears community apart as Soludo recognises attorney-general’s brother despite court order

A traditional leadership dispute in Nsugbe has deepened after Anambra Governor Charles Soludo recognized John Nweke despite a court order blocking the election that reportedly produced him.

Soludo issued Nweke a certificate of recognition on Tuesday at the Government House during a meeting with traditional rulers. "Respectfully, Barrister John Nzekwesili Nweke is now officially the Igwe (traditional ruler) of Nsugbe," the governor declared before presenting the certificate.

Nweke is the elder brother of Tobechukwu Nweke, Anambra’s Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General. The recognition followed a controversial election held on Sunday in Nsugbe Community, Anambra East Local Government Area, even though the election had been barred by an order of the state High Court.

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Respectfully, Barrister John Nzekwesili Nweke is now officially the Igwe (traditional ruler) of Nsugbe.

Tension had risen in the community since Saturday over an alleged plan to proceed with the vote. The group Concerned Indigenes and Stakeholders in Nsugbe petitioned President Bola Tinubu, accusing Local Government and Community Matters Commissioner Vincent Ezeaka and the attorney-general of unlawful and contemptuous actions. At least 13 people signed the petition, including Anambra North Senator Tony Nwoye, former senator Alphonsus Igbeke and Nsugbe Development Union Secretary General Uzoechina Benedict.

The group said the dispute concerns whether the next traditional ruler should be chosen through delegates or universal adult suffrage in Ivite Quarter, the part of Nsugbe favored under a zoning arrangement. Opponents of the delegate system filed a lawsuit on July 8. Justice Jude Obiora later ordered all parties to maintain the existing status quo and barred any election or selection of the next Igwe pending an amicable or judicial resolution.

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unlawful and contemptuous actions