Fresh controversy has erupted in Obilonu Autonomous Community in Isuochi, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State following the alleged conferment of chieftaincy titles on some individuals by the traditional ruler of the community, Eze L.O. Uche, despite a restraining order issued by an Abia State High Court.
An Abia State High Court presided over by Justice Enyinnaya Okezie had, on December 17, 2025, in Okpuala Ngwa, restrained Eze L.O. Uche and two other respondents from bestowing chieftaincy titles on individuals pending the determination of a substantive application before the court.
However, the applicant in the suit and a member of the council, Emeka Chukwunenye, has expressed concern that the traditional ruler went ahead to confer chieftaincy titles in alleged disobedience of the court order.
Chukwunenye, who filed the suit on behalf of the Council/Obilonu Town Development Union, Umunneochi LGA, said the traditional ruler did not consult the Obilonu Town Development Union before taking critical decisions affecting the community.
He claimed that the alleged disobedience of the court order in Suit No. HIN/FR276/2025 is currently causing tension in the community, adding that it violated Article 18 of the Obilonu Community Constitution.
“The court specifically ordered that no chieftaincy titles or similar honours should be conferred on members of the community without consultation with the Council and the Obilonu Town Development Union, as provided under the community constitution,” Chukwunenye said.
Reacting to the allegations on Tuesday, the traditional ruler of Obilonu Autonomous Community, Eze L.O. Uche, said only verbal information was brought to him after the five-day period stipulated for the service of the court order had already elapsed.
Eze Uche, who explained that the applicant in the matter refused to provide him with proof of service, said there was no way a planned community event could have been stopped abruptly without a duly served court order.
“The judge said that I should be served proof of service within five days from the date of the court order, but he only came after the five days had already elapsed. I never received or signed any document containing proof of service,” Eze L.O. Uche said.
He also denied allegations that he sidelined members of his cabinet in decision-making.
Controversy in Abia community over conferment of chieftaincy titles