Obazu Town Union Demands Suspension Of Monarch Over Alleged Incapacitation

The Obazu Town Union in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State has formally requested the state government to suspend the traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Eze Francis Elendu Agunwa, due to alleged incapacitation.

The President-General of the community, Town Planner Iheanyi Abaekwume, made this appeal during an interview with journalists in Owerri on Saturday, February 14.

He expressed regret that certain individuals have exploited the alleged incapacitation of the traditional ruler to instigate discord within the community.

Town Planner Abaekwume explained that these individuals have been making decisions under the guise of acting on the orders of the traditional ruler, when in reality, the monarch neither authorized nor could have authorized such actions due to his health condition.

The former General Manager(GM) of Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) recalled that Eze Agunwa had previously been suspended over the same issue during the administration of Owelle Rochas Okorocha, yet somehow managed to regain his position.

According to him, Eze Agunwa, who resides abroad, has not addressed the community or presided over any meetings for the past 18 years since the onset of his health challenges.

He further noted that even when the monarch was brought back to the community, he remained silent throughout, seated in his wheelchair.

The President-General revealed that those who have usurped the royal authority announced the dissolution of the Eze’s cabinet in December 2025 without establishing a new one.

He stated that they proceeded to appoint one Ugochukwu Aguguam as Traditional Prime Minister (TPM), a position he described as inconsequential within the traditional rulership of Imo State and Obazu Community.

Describing the TPM position as a nominal office, he informed our reporter that Mr. Aguguam swiftly announced his intention to form a committee to organize elections for the Obazu Town Union, claiming to have been instructed by the royal father to establish the committee.

Town Planner Abaekwume asserted that suspending Eze Agunwa would align with the state government’s directive that no monarch should reside and rule from outside his kingdom.

The President-General stated that the monarch should be compelled to step down since he is no longer able to perform any functions of his office, nor can he represent the community at any meetings or events, particularly as he resides abroad.

Town Planner Abaekwume praised the state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for the peace and safety enjoyed by Imo residents during the recent festive season.

According to him, the security and safety experienced by the people are undoubtedly connected to the efforts of security agencies, which were equipped by the government to perform their duties effectively.

He also commended the security training provided to some youths in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.