Commissioner Reacts To Alleged Imposition of Town Union President On Enugu Community

Deacon Okey Ogbodo, the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development & Chieftaincy Affairs, Enugu State, says he did not violate any section of the law by setting up a Caretaker Committee for Obeagu Ugwuaji Community in Enugu South Council Area.

Ogbodo made this known while reacting to a media report allegeding that the action was unlawful.

The commissioner in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sammie Echi-Agbo, noted that the action was taken pursuant to Section 26 of the Funds for Rural Development Law, Cap. 81, Laws of Enugu State 2004, which empowers him to dissolve any Town Union that is deemed a threat to peace, development, or unity within the community.

He said the Ministry—after extensive consultations and in line with its statutory responsibilities—took the decision to dissolve the existing Town Union leadership in the community and constitute a five-man Caretaker Committee to restore peace, foster inclusiveness, and ensure a smooth transition towards credible town union elections.

The statement in full below:

PRESS RELEASE

Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development & Chieftaincy Affairs, Enugu State

RE: FALSE CLAIMS AND MISINFORMATION ON THE CONSTITUTION OF A CARETAKER COMMITTEE IN OBEAGU UGWUAJI COMMUNITY

The attention of the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, has been drawn to the deliberate and misleading reports circulating on social media, allegedly sponsored by a faction within the Obeagu Ugwuaji Community, aimed at discrediting the ministry’s lawful actions in the interest of peace, order, and community progress.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Ministry—after extensive consultations and in line with its statutory responsibilities—took a decision to dissolve the existing Town Union leadership in Obeagu Ugwuaji and to constitute a five-man Caretaker Committee to restore peace, foster inclusiveness, and ensure a smooth transition towards credible town union elections.

This action was taken pursuant to Section 26 of the Funds for Rural Development Law, Cap. 81, Laws of Enugu State 2004, which empowers the Commissioner to dissolve any Town Union that is deemed a threat to peace, development, or unity within the community.

It is on record that at the time the committee was constituted, no injunction had been served on the Honourable Commissioner. The exercise followed the due procedure and was executed in the exercise of powers granted by the laws of Enugu State.

Allegations of contempt and backdating of documents are therefore unfounded, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to stir public unrest.

The media are enjoined to refrain from sensational reporting by investigating and balancing their reports in the interest of fairness and justice. Deacon Ogbodo’s office is always open to clarify issues of this nature.

The Honourable Commissioner has no personal interest in the leadership of any community but remains committed to ensuring that peace, transparency, and inclusivity guide the administration of rural communities in the state.

It is regrettable that certain individuals, bent on retaining control through factionalism and exclusion, have resorted to threats, blackmail, and false narratives to derail the peace efforts of the government.

Hon. Ogbodo urges the good people of Obeagu Ugwuaji to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperate with the newly constituted caretaker committee comprising:

Mr. Joseph Ani – Chairman

Mr. Francis Egbo – Secretary

Mr. Samuel M. Ugwu – Member

Mr. Christian C. Nwaobodo – Member

The committee is mandated to:

1. Audit past activities and financial records of the former leadership

2. Propose constitutional amendments that reflect fair zoning arrangements

3. Hold accountable past executives

4. Prepare and conduct free, fair, and credible town union elections

5. Submit periodic reports to the Ministry

The duration of the caretaker committee is from May 23, 2025, to May 23, 2026.

The Honourable Commissioner warns mischief-makers and those hired to disturb the peace of the community to desist forthwith. The Ministry will not tolerate any act capable of jeopardizing the unity and development of Obeagu Ugwuaji or any other community in Enugu State.

The Ministry remains resolute in its duty to serve all communities fairly and in accordance with the law.