On The Crisis Rocking Obazu Mbieri Monarchy

By Emeka Okorie

A monarch residing in the United Kingdom raises questions about the traditional practice of a ruler living outside his kingdom. Is it conceivable or permissible for a king to reside and administer his kingdom from abroad? No.

This situation is currently observed in the monarchy of Obazu Mbieri Autonomous Community located in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

Despite warnings from the Imo State Government advising monarchs residing abroad or outside their communities to cease such practices and return to live among their subjects, His Royal Highness Eze Nze Francis Elendu Agunwah has remained steadfast in his decision. It is noteworthy that his residence in the United Kingdom, specifically London, predates these governmental warnings.

He has become so accustomed to life in London that even a suspension or outright dethronment won’t compel him to return to Nigeria, let alone Obazu Mbieri Community, to reside permanently.

According to a source close to the Obazu palace, “He was sent there by his late father for his university education in the 1960s and returned in 1974. Since then, he has been living in London.”

The source provided additional details indicating that the monarch resides in London throughout the entire year, returning to Obazu in late December for a two-week stay. During this vacation period in Obazu, the monarch refrains from addressing his people or any matters, including those concerning security.

According to the source, “Yes, his subjects may visit him during his vacation in Obazu, but he neither speaks nor responds during conversations.”

Additionally, the palace insider revealed that it was while in London in 2008, he unfortunately suffered a stroke.

The stroke is believed to have severely incapacitated him, preventing him from fulfilling the duties of the throne.

As a consequence, certain smart individuals, led by a content creator, have usurped royal authority within the community. They issue statements, form committees to perform customary functions, and claim that these decisions originate from the monarch, who, due to his health condition, could not have consented to such actions.

Chief Iheanyi Abaekwume, the President General of Obazu Mbieri Community, insists that the community can no longer permit such royal infractions to persist.

He has therefore called for the suspension of the king to restore order within the community. His demand is fully supported by the presidents of the seven villages that comprise Obazu Mbieri Community, who last week issued a statement urging the state government to suspend Eze Francis Elendu Agunwah without delay.

In a publication dated Wednesday, February 24, 2026, one of the smart indigenes assisted the royal family in composing a piece entitled “A Note of Warning” in response to the call for the suspension of the traditional ruler.

The family maintained that Eze Agunwah is not only in good health but also possesses a sound mind. Nonetheless, only a reputable and impartial medical practitioner can provide clarity on this matter. Thus, it is essential that a medical evaluation be conducted to ascertain or establish the monarch’s level of wellness. Such an evaluation will determine whether he remains fit to occupy the royal position in the community.

The state government would greatly benefit the Obazu Mbieri Community and the state by approving the conduct of the medical evaluation, thereby resolving the ongoing debate regarding the monarch’s health condition.

The family has refrained from addressing the fact that Eze Agunwah resides abroad. It is possible that the family acknowledges that certain truths, such as the sun rising in the East and setting in the West, are undeniable.