Nsukka Elders Warn Traditional Rulers Against Partisan Politics, Fault Council Chairman’s Leadership

…As Hon. Jude Asogwa Seeks Political Support at UNN CEC Hall

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The Nsukka Elders Forum has cautioned traditional rulers in Nsukka Local Government Area against involvement in partisan politics, warning that such actions could undermine the integrity of traditional institutions and deepen political divisions in the area.

The elders’ warning followed a recent meeting convened by the Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Council, Hon. Jude Asogwa, at the CEC Hall, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he reportedly sought the intervention of traditional rulers and other stakeholders to accompany him on a re-election visit to the Governor of Enugu State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Forum, Chief Silas Onyishi, the group described the move as unacceptable and inconsistent with the revered role of traditional institutions.
According to the statement, Hon. Asogwa, whom the elders accused of poor performance in office, is allegedly resorting to manipulation in a bid to secure political survival.

The Forum specifically alleged that during the meeting, the Chairman appealed to the Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, to help mobilize stakeholders to support him politically.
The elders argued that such a request runs contrary to the non-partisan values that traditional rulers are expected to uphold.

Chief Onyishi recalled that Hon. Asogwa had earlier suspended over 12 councillors and ignored repeated appeals from elders and stakeholders to resolve the crisis. He noted that the same stakeholders the Chairman is now seeking support from were previously sidelined and denied the opportunity to function effectively.

The statement further revealed that Igwe Asadu was among prominent Nsukka leaders who advised the Council Chairman to reconcile with the suspended councillors, advice which, according to the elders, was disregarded. The Forum therefore urged the monarch to concentrate on his traditional responsibilities and allow Hon. Asogwa to confront his political challenges without dragging traditional institutions into partisan disputes.

The elders also expressed concern over what they described as persistent anarchy in the local government under Hon. Asogwa’s administration, particularly in the management of markets and trade unions. They alleged that within six months of assuming office, the Chairman introduced policies across major markets and unions that were divisive and disruptive.

“From Ogige Market to Aku Road, from Afor Opi to the Timber Market, the story has been one of invasion, devastation, and the breakdown of existing organizational unity,” the statement read. “No human being deserves such treatment, and we pray that Nsukka is not saddled with such leadership again.”

Quoting the Forum, Onyishi added:
“Hon. Jude Asogwa called a meeting at the CEC Hall at UNN recently, which was attended by Ogadagidi (Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu). The purpose was to plead with him to bring stakeholders to follow him to see the Governor. This is coming from the same chairman who alienated councillors, elders, and stakeholders. How can you sideline people and later expect them to support you on a political journey? This approach shows a lack of political tact.”

The Nsukka Elders Forum warned that continued attempts to involve traditional rulers in political battles could erode the respect accorded to the traditional institution. They called on political actors in the area to separate governance from political desperation and embrace dialogue, due process, and reconciliation as the pathway to resolving the lingering crisis within the local government council.