HON. HENRY CHIZOBA ASOGWA CONDEMNS SUSPENSION OF IGWE IBAGWA-OPI, DESCRIBES IT AS POLITICAL WITCH-HUNT AND ASSAULT ON TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION

PRESS RELEASE

25, September 2026

My attention has been drawn to the unwarranted, unjust and politically motivated suspension of the revered traditional ruler of Ogbozalla Opi, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Willy Ezugwu (Eze Ka Eze), by the Enugu State Government. I condemn in its entirety this draconian action, which is nothing but a calculated witch-hunt, considering the circumstances surrounding the suspension.

It is public knowledge that the respected monarch recently received in his palace the Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, and subsequently the Governorship Candidate of the party in Enugu State, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, alongside several other candidates of our great party. Today, without due process, without fair hearing, and without any credible investigation, the monarch is slammed with suspension. What else can we call this if not a brazen political witch-hunt?

It is totally unacceptable that a traditional ruler who was freely chosen by his people, who has maintained peace and fostered development in his community, will be punished simply for opening his palace doors to all — as a true father should.

I wish to state without equivocation that Igwe Willy Ezugwu has violated no known law other than refusing to be a political tool in the hands of the ruling APC. Since when did hospitality become a crime? Since when did being a father to all become an offence in Enugu State?

This shameful act is another clear testament that the ruling APC is on a dangerous mission to strangle democracy to an untimely death and silence every dissenting voice in the state.

I therefore urge every well-meaning citizen of Enugu State, lovers of democracy, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations to join voices in condemning this sacrilege against our traditional institution. An attack on one traditional ruler is an attack on all.

I call on the general public, the illustrious sons and daughters of Opi, Nsukka cultural zone and Enugu State at large, to understand that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We cannot continue to fold our hands and watch the ruling APC turn our people into strangers in their own land.

To the suspended monarch, HRM Igwe Willy Ezugwu: You have always been known as a fearless, courageous and principled ruler who stands for what is right. History will vindicate you. Please accept my sincere sympathy and solidarity. This is one of the many sacrifices we must all make to birth a better and more democratic society.

I demand the immediate and unconditional reversal of this illegal suspension.

Hon. Henry Chizoba Asogwa
NDC Candidate, Nsukka East Constituency