…Reaffirms commitment to justice, the rotation principle, and the rule of law
By Steven Amadi
Ubah Agwa, Oguta LGA, Imo State
In a landmark move aimed at reinforcing democratic principles and respect for tradition, the Ubah Agwa Autonomous Community in Oguta LGA has officially dissolved the Zimero-led Town Union Executive following the expiration of its constitutionally mandated tenure. The development was announced during a well-attended general assembly of the community, held over the weekend, presided over by the traditional ruler of the community, His Royal Highness, Eze Chima Azubuike Ohanyere I of Ubah Agwa Autonomous Community, Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State, on June 12, on Afor Day Market 2025, in his palace.
The action, backed by traditional leadership and prominent stakeholders, marks a renewed commitment to the community’s constitution, which stipulates the rotation of leadership among villages and offices in the town union—an arrangement rooted in fairness, balance, and inclusion.
Upholding Democratic Structures
The Zimero-led administration, which had completed its statutory term in office, after being in power since 2020-2025, was thanked for its service. However, the community emphasized the non-negotiable requirement that all executives, past and present, must adhere to the town union’s guiding rules and customs, especially the principle of rotational leadership and the 3-year tenure for the town Union Executive.
Speaking during the meeting, Comrade Nkemjika Uwa, a respected youth of the community stated:
“No individual or group, no matter how well-meaning, is above the laws of the Ubah Agwa Autonomous Community. We must all respect the sacred rotation principle that ensures every segment of our society is represented. That is the bedrock of our peace and unity.”
These views were also upheld by Mr. Chinedu Ashiegbu, one of the town Union’s members, and Apostle Gerald Odem that their tenures are over.
The Ubah Town Union Constitution mandates that the offices of President-General, Secretary, Woman Leader, and Youth Leader rotate among constituent villages in a well-defined sequence to promote fairness and equitable representation.
Celebrating the Diaspora and Educational Support
During the same meeting, the Ubah Diaspora Community received a standing ovation for its continued commitment to the development of the homeland. From healthcare to youth empowerment and infrastructure, the diaspora members were praised for their tireless efforts and consistent financial and technical contributions.
Chief Engr. Edwin Okoroafo, Chief Nwachinere 1 of Ubah, a representative of the Ubah Diaspora Forum, in another virtual conversation with Eze Chima, and other concerned people of Ubah, spoke from the United States:
“Our hearts remain in Ubah, even as our feet are in faraway lands. We will continue to support development efforts back home, not just with money, but with ideas, mentorship, and global opportunities for our youth.”
Equally lauded by His Royal Highness Eze Chima Azubuike, were Hon. Chief Oscar Chima Ukemezie JP, Ochiagha I of Agwa, Chief Engr Edwin, Okoroafo, Dr. Alwell Maduakolam, amongst others, whose individual and collective support for education in the community has begun to bear remarkable fruit. From scholarships to the renovation of school buildings, their impact has been deeply felt.
Dr. Maduakolam, while receiving her commendation, said:
“Education is the ladder out of poverty. Every child in Uba deserves the chance to dream big, and we are only playing our part in making that dream a reality.”
Hon. Ukemezie, a prominent community leader, education advocate, philanthropist, and the 2024 APC frontrunner for the Chairmanship position of Oguta LGA added:
“This is just the beginning. We must now build a culture that values knowledge, innovation, and character. Only then can we truly develop.”
Security, Justice, and the Rule of Law
Also discussed were matters of security, justice, and respect for communal laws. Several speakers emphasized the need to maintain law and order, particularly as the community prepares to elect a new Town Union Executive in line with established norms.
Rev. Chijioke Mgbugba, Minister of the Gospel and community advocate, issued a strong reminder to aspiring officeholders:
“Leadership is not a birthright—it is a service. Anyone seeking to lead must first be willing to obey the laws of the land. There must be no shortcuts, no manipulation, and no imposition.”
The community also passed a resolution urging local security outfits and vigilante groups to remain vigilant, non-partisan, and committed to the protection of lives and property. It called on traditional institutions to work hand-in-hand with the youth in upholding justice and security across the villages.
Eze Ohanyere also updated his people on the need for the existing local vigilante groups to collapse into the proposed government local security outfit announcement by Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of Imo State, was also discussed, as well as the ongoing Imo Health Insurance Enrollment Scheme under the current administration.
The Way Forward
With the dissolution of the Zimero-led executive, the stage is now set for the selection of a new leadership team. Community elders have confirmed that in line with the Executive Chairman of Oguta LGA, Imo State, Hon. Ifeanyi Nnani, and other relevant stakeholders, consultations are underway to ensure a smooth, peaceful transition that reflects the community’s values of inclusiveness, transparency, and rotation.
Recall the not-too-good development tha underscores growing unrest within the Ubah Agwa Autonomous Community of Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State Since last year, residents have intensified calls for a leadership transition following what they describe as “flagrant disobedience to the Ubah Town Union constitution” and an entrenched “sit-tight” posture by the current administration.
This mounting pressure comes on the heels of a pivotal meeting held on February 2, 2025, at the Oguta Council Headquarters, where His Royal Highness, Eze Chima Azubuike, led a high-level delegation to the office of the Executive Chairman of Oguta LGA, Hon. Ifeanyi Nnani. During the courtesy call, the monarch, joined by traditional elders and prominent stakeholders, officially notified the chairman of the community’s intent to conduct a town union election—citing the expiration of the tenure of the current leadership.
Comrade Uzoma Zimero, the incumbent President-General of the town union, who was part of the delegation, openly acknowledged the expiration of his tenure. He, however, pleaded for an extension, citing unfinished community projects and the need to ensure a smooth handover. Despite his appeal, community elders and representatives expressed growing impatience, accusing the leadership of overstaying its constitutional term and stalling the democratic process.
“The community has been very patient, but we cannot continue like this,” said one of the three eldest men present at the meeting, who also emphasized being conscious of time. “The constitution is clear. No town union leadership should exceed its tenure without a mandate from the people.”
The visit marked a significant procedural milestone, as it complied with the directive issued earlier in 2025 by Chairman Nnani, lifting the suspension on town union elections but insisting that all such transitions be conducted with the local government’s full knowledge and support to prevent a relapse into chaos.
It would be recalled again that in December 2024, Chairman Nnani had imposed a temporary ban on town union elections across Oguta LGA in a bid to consolidate the fragile peace following violent crises in Agwa and surrounding areas. The ban was widely respected, with Ubah Agwa’s leadership demonstrating full compliance.
Now, with the political space reopened, calls for renewal of leadership in Ubah Agwa have grown louder, with citizens and stakeholders urging Chairman Nnani to act swiftly in facilitating a lawful and peaceful transition.
As tension simmers, all eyes remain on the local government’s next steps in steering Ubah Agwa toward a transparent and inclusive democratic process.
Eze Ohanyere I concluded with a passionate appeal to the community:
“Let this be a new chapter. Let it reflect our unity and our faith in self-governance. The Town Union is not a political battleground—it is the soul of our community development.”
Going by the equity letters and spirit of the Ubah Town Union Constitution, the next President General of Ubah Autonomous Community should come from Umuezike, the Youth Leader of Umuorogiri, and the Woman Leader, Ndi-Uhu.
The meeting was attended by prominent Ubah community leaders and Palace Chiefs they including:
Hon. Barthewlom Mbabie, a former councilor representing Mgbala-Ubah Ward
Chief Emmanuel Onyia, Umuorogiri.
Chief Samuel Onumara, Umunduhu.
Chief Kingsley Obi, Umuokpe
Chief Mbabie, Palace Chief Chairman, Umuonyeakakpalam.
Chief Peter Obi
Elder Boniface Nwammadu.
.Elder Barnabas.
Pastor Jerome.
Justice James Akolam, Palace Secretary.
Chief Bartram Metele.
