Tensions are escalating in Enugwu-Agidi, Anambra State, as the town grapples with accusations of leadership manipulation, land deals, and unauthorized levies under the current President General (PG), Ebuka Onuorah. As he prepares for a second term, reports indicate that his leadership style has been marred by allegations of land cession, suppression of opposition, and efforts to establish a parallel government in various villages.
A key concern raised by residents is the alleged ceding of Mbanano Enugwu-Agidi land to Awka people. Sources claim that Onuorah is working closely with external interests to construct a bridge along Agu Nwoshishi lands, sparking fears of land grabbing. The silence surrounding what Enugwu-Agidi is receiving in return for this arrangement has fueled suspicions of personal enrichment at the expense of the community.
Furthermore, Onuorah has been accused of destabilizing village leadership structures to consolidate power. Most village chairmen, who oppose his alleged plans to sell communal lands to estate developers, have reportedly been targeted. His controversial attempt to suspend Dr. Sir Osita Anameze as Onowu of Enugwu-Agidi without following due process drew intervention from the Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. A subsequent letter signed by all village chairmen distanced them from Onuorah’s actions, exposing what many believe to be his unilateral decision-making.
Currently, Onuorah is accused of imposing parallel rogue leadership structures in villages, starting with Normu, Ifite, and Achalla, and now extending to Iruobieli and Igbollo. His strategy, according to sources, includes recruiting loyalists and enforcers, who are allegedly involved in violent activities to suppress opposition.
The crisis reached a tipping point in Iruobieli Village, where an attempted leadership coup by Ezeoba Remedy Chinagorom Amazigom Enweani resulted in police intervention. According to sources, Chinagorom, backed by individuals linked to land-grabbing interests, declared himself the new village president, replacing the duly elected leadership of Iruobieli Kanadinma (IKBU), led by Mr. Ementa Nwanisiobi.
The coup attempt allegedly involved several individuals, including:
Moses Nwuba (Vice-President)
Arinze Anameze (Treasurer)
Onyeka Oraekwe (Financial Secretary)
Ebuka One-Man (Provost)
Nonso Anuta (National Protocol Officer)
However, the move was quickly resisted by villagers, leading to the arrest of Chinagorom Amazugom Enweani, who is currently in police custody at Zone 13. During interrogation, Chinagorom allegedly confessed that he was offered N40 million by Ebuka Onuorah, Izuchukwu Okekeonyeocha, and Moses Nwuba to lead the coup.
His confession, reportedly recorded, states that the offer took place at a hotel in Awka and was part of payments made by Bishop Onyeka Nzekwesi, CEO of Pineleaf Estate, for the acquisition of Iruobieli land along the Obibia axis. Chinagorom further revealed that when he attempted to withdraw from the plan, Onuorah’s Personal Assistant, Clement Nebolisa, forcefully took his phone and used it to publish a fraudulent announcement declaring him the new village president.
Amidst the leadership crisis, Enugwu-Agidi residents are protesting an unexpected levy imposed on business owners by Onuorah. In February 2025, shop owners were summoned to a meeting at the community secretariat, where Onuorah announced a N6,000 monthly levy per shop, purportedly under Governor Soludo’s mandate.
While some shop owners have already begun making payments, many have raised questions about:
The legality of the levy, as it was not ratified by the Annual General Conference or Central Executive Committee.
Why Onuorah did not publicly announce the levy, leading to speculation about his true intentions.
The timing of the levy, considering the current economic struggles of many business owners.
How the collected funds will be used, given concerns about lack of financial transparency under his leadership.
Residents fear that this unauthorized taxation on businesses is just the beginning, as reports suggest that Onuorah is also planning to impose levies on homeowners—with proposed rates of N5,000 for bungalows and N10,000 for multi-story buildings.
The unfolding crisis has left Enugwu-Agidi at a crossroads, with growing discontent over Onuorah’s leadership.
Critics argue that his administration is marred by a pattern of authoritarianism, financial exploitation, and disregard for due process.
Community members are calling for a thorough investigation into the land transactions, the alleged N40 million bribe, and the newly imposed levies. They are also demanding financial accountability, as Onuorah has only provided one incomplete financial report since assuming office.
As Enugwu-Agidi prepares for a new leadership cycle, many believe it is time for residents to “shine their eyes” and resist what they describe as a tyrannical administration.
The coming months will determine whether Onuorah’s controversial policies will be allowed to continue or if the people will reclaim control over their community’s affairs.
