Enugwu-Agidi, a once-peaceful community, is now at the center of a growing crisis over alleged land grabbing. Accusations have been leveled against the President-General (PG), who is said to be facilitating illegal land acquisitions through a Special Purpose Vehicle, EBU-Nigeria.
Community stakeholders claim that the PG has empowered Izukwuchukwu Okekeonyeocha as an unofficial prime minister, entrusting him with coordinating land grabs, particularly in collaboration with individuals from Awka and beyond. This move has raised concerns among residents, who view it as a deliberate strategy to seize communal lands.
Further exacerbating tensions, the PG has allegedly refused to collaborate with the traditional ruler (Igwe) to establish a functional vigilante group dedicated to protecting Enugwu-Agidi’s interests. Instead, he is accused of maintaining a private security network that serves his personal agenda rather than the community’s welfare.
In what critics describe as an attempt to consolidate power, the PG is also accused of undermining village leadership structures by creating parallel rogue governments in various villages. These groups, allegedly handpicked by him, are said to be loyal to his administration at the expense of the duly elected village representatives.
Another major point of contention is the PG’s alleged complicity in land grabs executed by members of the Enugwu-Agidi Land Grabbers Association (ELA). Despite setting policies against illegal land acquisition, he is accused of turning a blind eye when bulldozers are brought in to clear and seize lands belonging to private individuals.
Unlike other communities where isolated cases of misconduct may occur, critics argue that Enugwu-Agidi’s predicament is worsened by leadership that is “rotten at the head.” This deep-seated problem, they say, threatens the stability and unity of the town.
Residents are calling for urgent intervention from relevant authorities to address these issues before they escalate further. The demand for transparency, accountability, and justice in Enugwu-Agidi is growing louder, with many urging the Igwe and other community elders to step in and restore order.
Chinedu Ikeanyi
Ozo Nwawelugo
