‘Court Voids Igweship Claim In Mburubu’ — Orders Fresh Election In 21 Days, Fines Claimant N500k

The Enugu State High Court today invalidated Mr. Jerry Onuokaibe’s claim to the Igweship of Mburubu, a community in Nkanu East Local Government Area, marking a decisive victory for the Mburubu Town Union.

The court declared that Onuokaibe’s self-appointed rise to the throne was illegal and orchestrated by the Mburubu General Assembly, a non-recognized body with no legal standing.

Delivering the judgment, Justice C.O. Ajah unequivocally ruled that the Mburubu General Assembly, described as “an unauthorized, faceless organization and interloper,” had no legal basis to facilitate Onuokaibe’s elevation. The court dismissed the Assembly’s actions as unlawful, stating that their role in the process was null and void.

The ruling also rejected Onuokaibe’s reliance on a 1976 purported constitution as the foundation for his claim to the throne. Justice Ajah clarified that the 1976 document was a mere guideline and not a binding legal instrument. Instead, the court affirmed that the 2003 Constitution of the Mburubu Town Union is the official legal framework governing the community.

In a decisive statement, the court clarified that the Igweship stool of Mburubu is reserved for individuals from Uhuegbe village, which holds the second position in the community’s seniority hierarchy. Onuokaibe, who hails from Umunafor village, the fifth in line, was deemed constitutionally ineligible to contest the Igweship.

The court further solidified the leadership system under the Mburubu Town Union’s 2003 Constitution, which adopted a seniority-based approach to the selection of the traditional ruler, replacing the earlier rotation system.

In addition to declaring Onuokaibe’s claim void, the court imposed a fine of N500,000 on both Onuokaibe and the Mburubu General Assembly for their role in obstructing peace and wasting judicial resources. The fine will be paid to the Mburubu Town Union and Chief Linus Igbudu.

The court also directed that a new election for the Igweship be organized by the Mburubu Town Union within 21 days, under the supervision of the Ministry of Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs of Enugu State, in accordance with the 2003 Constitution.