By Chuks Collins,
An Anambra State High Court sitting in Umunze, Orumba South Council area has ordered Barrister Kenneth Maduka who until now had purported himself as the traditional ruler of Umuchukwu to stop parading himself as same pending the final determination of the suit before it.
The court presided over by Honourable Justice Jude Obiora after painstakingly listening to the arguments by the parties in the suit expressed dismay at the action of Barrister Maduka, Emeka Adunchezor who is the President General of Umuchukwu community, and Mgbike Two(who are the defendants) for an illegal act on April 6,2026 purporting same to be lawful chieftaincy election/selection process into the Umuchukwu Royal stool.
The order of the court setting aside their actions was pursuant to an action brought before the court by Hon Emeka Onwusoronye (plaintiff) in suit ref HOS/23/2026, sequel to an earlier order of March 31,2026 which put the election/selection on hold.
According to the court, "...this honourable court will not sustain and encourage the propagation of anarchy or invitation to lawlessness as that will erode the rule of law, compromise sanctity of judicial process and destabilize the society.
"Since the parties are in agreement that there was a clear act of disobedience to the orders of this court made on March 31,2026 by the conduct of a sham and purported election into the Umuchukwu Royal stool on April 6,2026 in gross defiance to the Orders of this Honourable Court, the said election is bound to be set aside and accordingly declared null and void..."
The court therefore nullified the election as being null and void.
The Court also prohibited Maduka from parading himself as the Igwe-elect of Umuchukwu or presenting himself to the State Government for the presentation of Certificate of Recognition until the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.
According to the plaintiff who addressed journalists on the ruling, the court's position elicited joy and excitement in the community as the illegal foisting of Maduka on the community as per their actions of April 6,2026 had brought gloom on the entire community.
The defendants declined comments even when calls were made to them.