Fresh document alleges key figure in chieftaincy dispute was dismissed over fake admissions involving 500 students
A long-running chieftaincy dispute in Umuogbo-Agu Autonomous Community, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, has taken a dramatic twist following claims that one of the central figures in the crisis, Mr Obiora Simon Ngwu, was dismissed from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) over an alleged admission scam.
A document reportedly issued by ESUT indicates that Ngwu, a former university staff member, was removed from service in 2012 after investigations linked him to illegal admission practices.
The confirmation was contained in an official letter from the Office of the ESUT Registrar, dated January 26, 2026, and signed by Mr Ambrose Ugwu. The letter, addressed to Charles Ugwu of Ugwu & Associates, stated that the disclosure was made in line with the Freedom of Information Act.
According to the document, Ngwu was employed as a Library Assistant in the university library on January 26, 1982, on Grade Level 4, Step 01. His appointment was, however, terminated with effect from September 13, 2012, following findings that connected him to a fake admission racket.
ESUT alleged that the scheme resulted in the unlawful admission of more than 500 students, all of whom were later expelled after the fraud was uncovered.
Court battle over Igwe stool
The revelation comes amid a pending court case over the Igwe stool of Umuogbo-Agu, where rival factions are locked in a legal battle over the legitimacy of the community’s traditional leadership process.
One of the contenders, Chief Sylvester Ali, has accused some community leaders of forging the community’s constitution to manipulate the selection of a traditional ruler.
Ali, who claims to be the Igwe-elect, made the allegation in a sworn deposition before the Enugu State High Court sitting in Enugu-Ezike, in Suit No. EZ/10/2025.
The suit was filed by Ichie Alphonsus Okoro and Ichie Simeon Okoro, representing Umuonoda-Eze Clan, against Ngwu and others.
In his statement, Ali explained that Umuogbo-Agu comprises four traditional quarters — Umuokpuye, Umuowaa, Umuaana and Umunasa — which rotate leadership positions under an agreed constitution.
He alleged that an amended constitution was secretly produced without community approval, claiming it altered leadership rotation, excluded some quarters and even carried the names and signatures of deceased persons.
“The document was never debated or ratified by the general assembly,” Ali stated.
Ali insisted that no valid Igwe election has taken place in the community and warned that parading anyone as Igwe-elect outside constitutional procedures could threaten peace and stability.
‘I was duly elected’
Speaking separately, Ali told journalists that the entire community recognised him as the only person elected as Igwe-elect, blaming the crisis on some community members living abroad.
“The constitution says it is the turn of my quarter, Umunasa, to produce the next Igwe. I consulted my family and my people supported me. I had no challenger,” he said.
Ali also accused unnamed individuals of bypassing due process and falsely claiming recognition from the Commissioner for Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo.
Another community leader, Mr Gilbert Ugwu, echoed similar concerns, accusing some individuals based outside the state of fueling the unrest.
He alleged that the same group blocked his emergence as Chairman of the Umunasa Neighbourhood Watch in 2020, claiming he would not be loyal to their interests.
Meanwhile, efforts to obtain a response from Obiora Simon Ngwu proved unsuccessful. Repeated calls and text messages sent to him seeking his reaction to the ESUT document were not returned as of the time of filing this report.
The case remains pending before the High Court of Enugu State.
