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The people of Amaechichi Autonomous Community Umuhu Ezechi in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State have drawn the attention of the Abia State Government to an impending bloodbath in the community.
This follows an alleged plot to elect another Eze for the community after they had elected Deacon Ndukwe Okoro who had already been presented to the local government in 2024 and a letter of notification written to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs by the then Mayor of Bende Local Government Area, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo which was acknowledged by the ministry.
According to the President General of the community, Hon. Chikezie Chukwu who spoke to newsmen, a group of persons allegedly sponsored by HRM Eze Chigaemezu Onwuchekwa — a traditional ruler in another community, (Umuhu Ezechi Autonomous Community), and led by one Orji Daniel and Kelechi Uduma initiated another move to elect another Eze.
According to Chukwu, Eze Chigaemezu Onwuchekwa has been at the forefront of destabilizing Amaechichi in order to annex it to his domain.
He alleged that since the death of their former Eze, fifteen years ago, the community has been without a traditional ruler. But in 2024, the community elected Eze Deacon Ndukwe Okoro which Eze Chigaemezu did not want as he (Eze Chigaemezu) plans to take control of the community as part of his kingdom.
He accused Eze Chigaemezu of appointing members of his cabinet from their community, including his Traditional Prime Minister, in the person of Mr Elekwachi Eme, now late.
The latest trouble is that the accused, Eze Chigaemezu instigated another move to conduct fresh election on Monday (today), September 8, 2025 who will be presented to him for “Royal Blessing”.
This was announced on the general Whatsapp platform of the community by Mr Orji Daniel and Kelechi Uduma.
The said date according to Chukwu was chosen by Eze Chigaemezu to coincide with his celebration of the traditional new yam festival which has been concluded by the clan. He said the new yam festival celebration was a smart smokescreen to hold the election and the presentation.
This development did not go down well with members of the community who vowed to stop the event at all costs. He warned that there might be a violent clash that could lead to loss of lives and property if nothing is done to nip an impending blood shed in the bud.
When Eze Chigaemezu was contacted, he confirmed that he planned to hold his festival on the said date and that Amaechichi Autonomous Community planned to elect a new Eze on the same date, at the same venue. He added that the Abia State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftency Affairs approved the election.
He vehemently denied any involvement in the Ezeship tussle in Amaechichi, distancing himself and his new yam event from the purported election.
“I am having my celebration on Monday and it is true that the community (Amaechichi) is going to have their election for a new Eze. I am not part of it. But the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is aware of it. They know that there will be an election that day.”
“Whatever they are doing is their business. The venue for my event is at our market square, Eke market where we have our hall and the election is not going to take place there. But as I am speaking to you right now, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is aware of the election.”
“They cannot present their Eze to me. I have no business with that.”
Eze Chigaemezu said the information of his involvement in the power tussle was a calculated attempt to disparage him and therefore should be disregarded. He said the allegations were false, misleading and without substance.
It was gathered that the group, led by Mr Daniel Orji had earlier filed a lawsuit, challenging the previous election which has not been decided by the court.
The case with suit number HIG/45/2024 was allegedly sponsored by Eze Chigaemezu and filed through the Orji Daniel led group.
Meanwhile, the Amaechichi community has also filed a law suit against Eze Chigaemezu on the basis of Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure at the State High Court Umuahia with suit number HU/107M/2025.
Some of the villagers who spoke to newsmen said the community is sitting on a keg of gunpowder, ready to explode at any time.
The youths from both sides of the divide are battle ready for a violent clashes.
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