“Mburubu Youths caution Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh over the use of court to stop Igweship tussle resolution.”

The Youths of Mburubu community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State have taken a decisive stand against what they term as a “misleading injunction” that seeks to disrupt the recognition process of Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe as the Igwe Elect of Mburubu Community.

In a press statement released by the Mburubu Youth Council, chaired by Mr. Kingsley Ositadimma Ọnụabuchi, and Vice-Chaired by Chief Sunday Chukwu, the youth vehemently opposed the recent court injunction obtained by individuals including Hon Emma Edeh, Nwosu John, Igbudu Ogbonna, Nwankwo Samuel, and others. They also highlighted their concerns over the involvement of Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh, a former Honorable Commissioner for Lands and currently serving as the Commissioner for Science and Technology, in what they perceive as actions aimed at destabilizing the community’s peace.

According to the statement, the issue of Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe’s recognition as the Igwe Elect of Mburubu Community was amicably resolved during a crucial meeting with the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, led by Deacon Okey Ọgbọdo on February 12, 2024. The agreement reached was for the status quo to remain unchanged until after April 21, in respect of the mourning period for the late Igwe Ogbuzuru Ezeh.

Expressing their bewilderment at the actions of some respected elders who seem to disregard the agreed-upon process, especially during the mourning period for Queen Josephine Ezeh, the statement emphasizes the need to uphold the agreed-upon process for selecting a new traditional ruler. It also clarifies that Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe has not presented himself as the Igwe-elect since the agreement with the ministry but rather as a business mogul.

“We, the youths of Mburubu, express our bewilderment at the actions of some respected elders who have chosen to disregard the agreed-upon process, especially considering the limited time remaining (less than 40 days) to finalize the selection of a new traditional ruler. Such actions pose significant dangers to the unity and progress of our community especially now that we are still mourning the death of our late Igwe’s wife, Queen Josephine Ezeh.”

“It is essential to clarify that Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe has not presented himself as the Igwe-elect since after the said agreement with the ministry but rather as an established business mogul, as evidenced by his public statements and actions hitherto. Any attempts to misrepresent this fact or obstruct the rightful process are seen as anti-progress and detrimental to the interests of the Mburubu people.”

The Mburubu Youth Council urged those behind the injunction to cease their actions immediately, citing the potential dangers they pose to the community’s unity and progress. They called for cooperation in adhering to the agreed-upon process for the betterment of Mburubu.

“We urge those behind the misleading injunction to desist from their actions immediately, as they only serve to hinder the peaceful transition and development of our community. Let us uphold the agreed-upon process and work together for the betterment of Mburubu.”