The Enugu State High Court has issued an interim order restraining the Mburubu Town Union from proceeding with the election of a new traditional ruler in the crisis-hit Mburubu community, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Justice R. O. Odugu, delivering the ruling on Wednesday, barred the respondents, their agents, or any representatives from conducting or facilitating the Igweship election until the determination of the motion on notice.
The court order follows an ex-parte motion filed by Chief Edwin Onwuka, Secretary of the Mburubu Igwe’s Cabinet, and Chief Sylvanus Njoku on behalf of the Igwe’s Cabinet. The applicants sought to restrain the Mburubu Town Union (MTU) from proceeding with the election, citing unresolved constitutional issues surrounding the selection process.
The suit, marked E/162M/2025, lists the Attorney-General of Enugu State and the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs among the respondents, alongside Hon. Emmanuel Edeh, Mr. Nwosu John, Mr. Ogbonna Igbudu, and Mr. Nwankwo Samuel, who represent the Mburubu Town Union. The election, initially scheduled for Friday, February 28, 2025, has now been put on hold.
Through their counsel, Nnamdi B. Aneke Esq., the applicants argued that proceeding with the election without addressing fundamental selection process disputes would further deepen the crisis within the community.
Justice Odugu, after reviewing an affidavit deposed to by Chief Ezekwe Onwuka of Uhuagu Village, Mburubu, granted the injunction and adjourned the case to March 6, 2025, for further hearing.
The ruling is expected to temporarily calm tensions in the community, where disputes over the Igweship stool have heightened concerns over leadership legitimacy and governance.