Okonkwo Samuel
Enugwu-Agidi, a once-peaceful town in Anambra State, is currently engulfed in a series of controversies allegedly orchestrated by its President-General, Mr. Ebuka Onuorah. According to reports from concerned residents, Onuorah is facing accusations of destabilizing village leaderships, ceding communal lands to external interests, and imposing illegal levies on shop owners.
Onuorah’s Alleged Bid for a Second Term and Leadership Destabilization
As Mr. Ebuka Onuorah reportedly prepares to seek re-election as President-General (PG) of Enugwu-Agidi, allegations have surfaced that his quest for power has come at a great cost to the unity of the community. Detractors claim that Onuorah has been working closely with individuals from neighboring Awka to cede lands belonging to the Mbanano Enugwu-Agidi territory in exchange for undisclosed benefits. The construction of a bridge along the Agu Nwoshishi lands, allegedly facilitated by Awka people, has raised concerns about the future of Enugwu-Agidi’s territorial integrity.
Furthermore, village chairmen across Enugwu-Agidi reportedly oppose Onuorah’s leadership style, particularly his alleged role in land deals favoring external developers. A previous incident involving the controversial suspension of Dr. Sir Osita Anameze as the Onowu (Traditional Prime Minister) of Enugwu-Agidi led to Onuorah being summoned by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. He allegedly claimed that the village chairmen supported his decision, a statement that was later debunked through a signed letter by all village leaders dissociating themselves from his actions.
As part of his reelection strategy, Onuorah is accused of attempting to destabilize the leadership of various villages by installing parallel leadership structures composed of individuals loyal to him. This alleged maneuver recently played out in Iruobieli Village, where an attempt was made to overthrow the existing leadership in favor of a new, unauthorized executive body.
Shocking Confession to Police: N40 Million Allegedly Offered for a Leadership Coup
Two weeks ago, a significant revelation came to light when Ezeoba Remedy Chinagorom Amazigom Enweani, an alleged conspirator in the leadership coup of Iruobieli Village, was arrested and taken into custody at Zone 13 Police Headquarters. Reports indicate that his arrest followed a controversial announcement he made, declaring himself as the new president of Iruobieli Kanadinma Union (IKBU).
During interrogation, Chinagorom reportedly confessed that he was offered N40 million by Onuorah and his associates, including Izuchukwu Okekeonyeocha and Moses Nwuba, to spearhead the coup against the duly elected leadership of Iruobieli. The confession, which was allegedly recorded, revealed that the money was part of a larger sum received from Bishop Onyeka Nzekwesi, CEO of Pineleaf Estate, for the illegal acquisition of Iruobieli lands along the Obibia axis.
Chinagorom further stated that after being offered the money at a hotel in Awka, he had a change of heart and decided to withdraw from the plot. However, Onuorah allegedly forced his personal assistant, Clement Nebolisa, to seize Chinagorom’s phone and use it to announce the new executive members of the village on a social media platform known as MM Network. Notably, the grammar used in the announcement was reportedly far beyond Chinagorom’s proficiency, leading many to believe that it was scripted by another party.
According to sources, Onuorah has already succeeded in establishing similar parallel leadership structures in Normu, Ifite, and parts of Achalla villages, with Iruobieli and Igbollo now being his next targets.
Imposition of a N6,000 Monthly Levy on Shop Owners
In another controversial move, Onuorah has allegedly imposed a N6,000 monthly levy on shop owners in Enugwu-Agidi under the guise of implementing Governor Charles Soludo’s economic directives. In February 2025, he reportedly summoned business owners to a meeting at the Secretariat, where he announced that the levy would take effect in March 2025.
Reports indicate that some shop owners have already begun paying the levy, with receipts serving as evidence of the collection. However, the legality of this levy remains questionable, as it was neither discussed nor ratified by the Annual General Conference or the Central Executive Committee, as required by local governance structures.
Many ndi Enugwu-Agidi have expressed concerns over the financial burden this levy places on struggling businesses, questioning its purpose and transparency. There are also fears that Onuorah might extend this taxation policy to homeowners, with proposed rates of N5,000 per bungalow and N10,000 per storey building.
Call for Accountability and Urgent Action
Enugwu-Agidi stakeholders are now calling for increased scrutiny of Onuorah’s leadership. Many argue that his administration has only rendered one incomplete financial account since he assumed office, raising concerns about possible mismanagement of funds.
Ndi Enugwu-Agidi are also questioning the source of Onuorah’s reported flamboyant lifestyle, which includes a media crew, a DSS officer, and a fleet of convoys. There is growing speculation that revenues from levies, land sales, and other clandestine activities may be fueling his extravagant expenditures.
Source: Chinedu Ikeanyi (Ozo Nwawelugo)
