The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned in the strongest terms the suspension of the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Opi Ogbozalla Autonomous Community in Nsukka Local Government Area, HRH Igwe Williams (Willy) Ezugwu, describing the action by the Enugu State Government as a dangerous assault on the dignity of the traditional institution and an unacceptable descent into political intimidation.
HURIWA says it is utterly disgraceful that a traditional ruler could be suspended in circumstances coming so closely after he received Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in his palace.
The association says the reported offence appears to be nothing more than receiving a fellow Igbo man, welcoming a former governor and praying for his visitor.
HURIWA asks Governor Peter Mbah: Is receiving Peter Obi now a crime in Enugu State? Is praying for a visitor now an offence punishable by suspension?
If there is another reason for the suspension, HURIWA demands that Governor Mbah immediately publish it and present the evidence before Nigerians.
The rights group says the Enugu Government cannot hide behind the vague phrase “persistent misconduct” while leaving citizens to connect the suspension with the monarch’s reported meeting with an opposition presidential candidate.
HURIWA demands answers: Where is the evidence that Peter Obi’s visit constituted misconduct? Where is the evidence that the monarch breached any specific provision of the Traditional Rulers Law? Where is the record of the allegations against him? Where is the evidence that he was given fair hearing before this punitive action was taken?
The organisation also asks a fundamental political question: Was the APC presidential candidate seeking to visit the same traditional ruler, and did the monarch refuse to receive him? If so, where is the evidence?
HURIWA says Nigerians deserve answers, not administrative ambiguity.
The association warns Governor Mbah that traditional rulers are not political appointees to be publicly humiliated whenever they receive people considered politically inconvenient by the government of the day.
The palace is not a political party office. A traditional ruler is not a political foot soldier. And receiving Peter Obi is not, in itself, a criminal offence.
HURIWA says the Enugu State Government must stop dragging the revered traditional institution into the bitter politics of 2027.
The rights group says it is particularly disturbing that an institution deeply rooted in Igbo history, culture and communal leadership could allegedly be subjected to such treatment merely because a political visitor entered a traditional palace.
HURIWA asks Governor Mbah whether he has forgotten that traditional institutions across Nigeria have survived governments, political parties and administrations because their authority transcends partisan politics.
The organisation asks why traditional rulers in other parts of Nigeria are routinely received with elaborate respect by political leaders, while an Igbo traditional ruler should allegedly be subjected to punishment for receiving a fellow Igbo and former governor.
Are Enugu traditional rulers now expected to obtain political clearance before opening their palace doors?
HURIWA says such a precedent would be dangerous for democracy, dangerous for culture and dangerous for the dignity of traditional institutions.
The association insists that the constitutional guarantee of fair hearing cannot be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.
If the monarch was not given a meaningful opportunity to know the allegations against him, respond to them and defend himself before the suspension, HURIWA says the process raises serious constitutional and legal questions.
HURIWA therefore demands the immediate reversal of the suspension, unless the Enugu State Government can publicly demonstrate a clear legal basis, specific misconduct and compliance with due process.
The association further calls on Governor Mbah to apologise to the traditional institution if it is established that the monarch was punished without fair hearing or that his reception of Peter Obi influenced the decision.
HURIWA warns that Enugu must not become a theatre where traditional institutions are sacrificed on the altar of 2027 politics.
The association says political leaders come and go, administrations come and go, but traditional institutions belong to the people and carry generations of history.
Governor Mbah must therefore choose between protecting the dignity of Enugu’s traditional institution and allowing partisan politics to consume it.
HURIWA will not remain silent while traditional authority is allegedly dragged into political battles.
The palace must remain a palace—not an extension of the ruling party’s political machinery.
Signed:
Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko
National Coordinator,
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
October 1, 2026
