Orsu Community Protests Imposition Of Jerry Alagbaoso As Monarch

On Thursday, hundreds of residents from the Amanaogu Community in the Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State organized a peaceful rally to protest the alleged imposition of former legislator Chief Jerry Alagbaoso as the traditional ruler of their community.

The demonstration took place at Awo Idemili, the headquarters of the Council area.

Protesters carried placards with messages including “Justice must prevail in Amanaogu Community,” “Our tradition and cultural heritage should not be bastardized,” “Amanaogu will reject anything that may lead to conflict,” “Amanaogu customs and traditions are not for sale,” “Amanaogu will uphold its cultural heritage at all costs,” and “Amanaogu is known for peace, equity, and justice.”

The residents asserted that only justice would be accepted within their community.

Ambassador Maduka Andrew Chukwuemeka, President of the Amanaogu Autonomous Community, represented by his vice, Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ezeani (Senior-Man), informed the council chairman that the community had collectively agreed, as documented in a communique shared with stakeholders both within and outside the community, to postpone the selection of a new traditional ruler until the replacement of their deceased kingmakers (Ndi-Ichie).

He expressed concern regarding the council chairman’s decision to visit Chief Jerry Alagbaoso’s residence to install him as their Eze, despite having received a copy of the communique that outlined the community’s position.

Ambassador Chukwuemeka characterized this action as a violation of justice and an infringement on the community’s right to select their ruler.

He stated, “Chief Jerry Alagbaoso is fully aware that the community, by the resolution passed at the meeting on August 7, 2026, established a roadmap for addressing the Ezeship of the community. The community mandated all villages with deceased or incapacitated Ichies to replace them before 2027, with each village required to nominate two Ichies. The commencement of the selection process for the new Eze was scheduled for August 2027.

“It is therefore shocking to awaken on August 16 to learn that Chief Jerry Alagbaoso, in direct contravention of our customs and traditions, and without regard for the town union, convened a small group of elders at his residence, where one elder crowned him as the Eze of our community and presented him with a Staff of Office.”

In response, the council chairman, Chief Friday Ibekaeme, commended the protesters for their peaceful approach and reminded them of his presence during the town union elections and inauguration.

He said; “I noted certain issues within your constitution and advised the new leaders to establish a Constitution Review Committee; however, no action has been taken thus far. A community has the right to determine its governance, but that governance must adhere to the constitution, which governs everything from the community level to local government, the state, and the entire country.”