(DDM) – A leadership dispute in Umuogbo-Agu Autonomous Community in Igbo-Eze North has intensified after new institutional records surfaced.
DDM gathered that Enugu State University of Science and Technology confirmed the past dismissal of a contender in the royal tussle.
The university identified the individual as Mr. Obiora Simon Ngwu, who features among figures linked to the chieftaincy contest.
Officials said the confirmation followed a formal information request handled under the Freedom of Information Act.
An official letter dated January 26, 2026, conveyed the details from the Office of the Registrar.
Registrar Ambrose Ugwu signed the correspondence and addressed it to a private legal firm.
The document stated that Ngwu previously worked at the university library.
Records show the institution employed him as a Library Assistant in January 1982.
The letter explained that the university later terminated his appointment in September 2012.
The institution linked the termination to an alleged admission-related irregularity.
University records alleged that the issue involved an admission scheme affecting hundreds of students.
The document said the discovery led authorities to expel more than 500 improperly admitted students.
The disclosure emerged while the community continues a legal struggle over the Igwe stool.
Several families and quarters within the community claim rights under a rotational system.
Court filings show that some leaders accused others of manipulating community rules.
One claimant, Chief Sylvester Ali, stated his position in a sworn deposition before the High Court.
Ali argued that certain actors attempted to alter the community constitution.
He claimed the alleged amendment did not receive general assembly approval.
He further alleged that the disputed document listed names of deceased persons.
Ali insisted that the community never debated or ratified the document.
He maintained that no valid election has produced a recognized Igwe-elect.
He warned that bypassing accepted procedures could disturb community peace.
The suit before the Enugu-Ezike High Court lists multiple parties from the community.
Two representatives of Umuonoda-Eze Clan instituted the case against Ngwu and others.
Ali explained that Umuogbo-Agu consists of four traditional quarters.
He said the quarters rotate leadership based on an agreed framework.
He argued that it is currently his quarter’s turn to present a candidate.
He stated that his family and supporters endorsed his nomination.
He also said he faced no challenger during his selection.
Community members previously approached state authorities over the dispute.
They reportedly contacted the Commissioner for Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters.
Observers say chieftaincy disputes often arise from succession rules and documentation.
Such conflicts sometimes stretch for years in courts across southeastern Nigeria.
Legal experts note that courts usually rely on written constitutions and testimonies.
When contacted, Ngwu declined public comment on the allegations.
He cited the ongoing court process as his reason for silence.
He said he would address issues only within legal proceedings.
Checks indicate that the case remains pending before the court.
Residents continue to watch the outcome because traditional leadership influences local governance.
Analysts say peaceful resolution remains vital for community stability.
The unfolding case now places both legal and historical records under scrutiny.
