The Obeagu Ugwuaji Community in Enugu South Local Government Area has initiated committal proceedings against the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, over alleged disobedience of a valid court order.
In a statement made available to Hobnob News on Monday, community leaders accused the commissioner of violating a subsisting injunction by constituting a caretaker committee for the Obeagu Ugwuaji Development Union, despite a court ruling restraining such action.
The matter stems from a ruling by Justice C.A. Ogbuabo of the Enugu State High Court, who on June 2, 2025, issued an order in Suit No. E/508M/2025, restraining the commissioner from installing a caretaker committee until the determination of a substantive application for Judicial Review.
The suit was filed by Obi Chukwunonso Freedom, Obi Ekene, Ani Cyril, and Egbo Romanus on behalf of the Obeagu Ugwuaji Awkunanaw community, with HRH Igwe Christopher Nyia, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, and the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters listed as respondents.
The court, upon reviewing the application brought by Emeka Abah Esq., found sufficient grounds to grant leave for judicial review and prohibited the commissioner from taking further action pending a scheduled hearing on June 19, 2025.
Alleged Contempt and Legal Fallout
Despite the court’s ruling, the community alleges that Commissioner Ogbodo went ahead to appoint a caretaker committee, an action the community says was backdated to predate the court order in an attempt to confer legitimacy.
As a result, the community has filed Form 48 – Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Court Order, a procedural step that could lead to the commissioner’s committal to prison for contempt of court.
The President General of the Obeagu Ugwuaji Development Union, Mr. Obi Chukwunonso Freedom, confirmed the move, stating that the community is determined to seek justice and ensure adherence to the rule of law.
The notice addressed to Deacon Okey Ogbodo reads:
“Take notice that unless you obey or cause the directions contained in this judgment/order of court attached herein in respect of SUIT NO. E/508M/2025, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”
Growing Tension in the Community
The incident has heightened tensions in Obeagu Ugwuaji, with community members urging the commissioner to respect judicial authority and withdraw the caretaker appointments in compliance with the court order.
Efforts by Hobnob News to reach the commissioner for comment were unsuccessful, as he neither responded to calls nor replied to text messages at the time of filing this report.
Legal experts say the court’s decision on the committal proceedings could set a precedent for enforcement of judicial authority in local government matters across the state.
