The Enugu State High Court has stepped in to cool tensions in the heated kingship tussle rocking Mburubu Community, Nkanu East, issuing a major ruling that puts both law enforcement and local authorities on pause.
Justice C.A. Ogbuabor granted an interim injunction restraining the Nigeria Police Force and other parties from harassing, arresting, or detaining Dr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, Mr. Kenneth Igbudu, and Mr. Obinna Okonkwo—key figures in the ongoing dispute. The court also froze any move to select or elect a new traditional ruler without the active involvement of the plaintiffs.
The ruling, issued on February 27, 2025, follows allegations that certain interest groups were trying to manipulate the selection process. The plaintiffs argued they were facing intimidation and unlawful actions aimed at sidelining them from the kingship decision.
The order bars both the police and local government officials from taking any further action in the matter, stressing that due process and transparency must be followed to prevent further crisis in the community.
With the legal battle set to continue, the court has adjourned the hearing to May 13, 2025, when the core issues surrounding the chieftaincy dispute will be addressed. Until then, the throne of Mburubu remains in limbo.
