The Amankanu community in Enugu State has been plunged into a protracted chieftaincy crisis, enduring over a decade without a recognized traditional ruler. In a recent press statement, the Concerned Citizens of Amankanu, represented by Chief Dr. Joel Tochukwu Mba, issued an urgent appeal for governmental intervention. Their primary concerns revolve around restoring peace, ensuring adherence to the community’s constitution, and safeguarding local leaders from persistent intimidation and persecution.

At the heart of the dispute lies a controversial constitution, purportedly drafted in 2016 under the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. This document, according to the Concerned Citizens, clearly delineates a rotational kingship structure, alternating between Amankanu Ndi Ulo (designated as Group A) and Amankanu Ndi Agu (designated as Group B). The constitutional framework specifies a strict order of seniority for succession. Initially, the kingship was to emanate from Amankanu Ndi Ulo, with Umuolo village holding the most senior position and first in line. However, after a six-month period, Umuolo declared its inability to produce a suitable candidate.

Following the established protocol, the right of succession then devolved to Umuogudu, the subsequent village in the line of seniority. This transition led to the widely celebrated selection and crowning of Chief Innocent Okorie Ekpete. His formal installation occurred on December 7, 2017, when he received the staff of office (Offor) from Chief Abel, the most senior elder in Umuolo village, a moment that garnered significant community approval.

Concurrently, the same constitution dictates that the community’s president general (PG) must be chosen from Group B. Since 2018, Umuekeogu, the most senior village within Group B, has consistently held this position. However, the community alleges that this orderly succession has been severely disrupted by a faction led by Isaac Udeh, Basil Aja, and Dr. DC Okoro. This group stands accused of illicitly rewriting the community's constitution, aiming to dismantle the rotational structure and allow any village to claim the kingship. This alleged manipulation reportedly enabled the introduction of Simon Okeke Ude, originating from the seventh village in Group A, as an unconstitutional contender. The community vehemently condemns this action as driven by selfish interests.

Furthermore, the press statement details grave accusations against the aforementioned individuals, citing their alleged use of financial inducements to foster division and their deployment of police forces to harass and persecute legitimate community leaders. It is claimed that in 2018 and 2019, nine community leaders were falsely accused and subsequently detained for over six months, an alleged tactic to suppress opposition to their manipulative actions. The statement laments, “These selfish actions have denied our community its peace, our leaders live in fear, and our constitutional process has been trampled upon.”

In light of these escalating issues, the Concerned Citizens of Amankanu have explicitly called upon the Enugu State government and pertinent traditional authorities to intervene promptly. Their demands include upholding the existing constitution and traditional order of seniority, restoring peace and stability to the community, and providing protection for community leaders against further harassment, intimidation, and wrongful imprisonment. The statement concludes with a poignant plea: “The people of Amankanu deserve to live in peace and dignity. We urge the government to help us restore our rightful king and bring an end to this chaos.”