Prof. Nwuba warns against alleged plan to arrest Awka monarch, fears crisis

Michael Olumide

Dean, Faculty of Law, Paul University, Awka, Prof. Kenneth Nwuba, has warned that any alleged plan to arrest the Obi of Awka Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty Obi Dr. Austin Chukwuezugo Ndigwe (Ezeuzu III), could spark avoidable tension and threaten the prevailing peace in the Anambra State capital.

Prof. Nwuba issued the warning while reacting to reports alleging that there were moves to arrest the traditional ruler, describing such a development as ill-advised and capable of destabilising the Awka community.

According to the senior legal scholar, any action perceived as targeting the revered monarch could inflame emotions among residents and loyalists of the traditional institution, thereby creating unnecessary unrest.

He stressed that matters involving traditional institutions should be handled with utmost caution and resolved strictly through lawful and peaceful mechanisms, rather than through actions that could escalate existing disagreements or undermine public order.

Prof. Nwuba noted that traditional rulers occupy sensitive positions within their communities and serve as symbols of unity, culture and stability. He therefore urged all concerned authorities to exercise restraint and ensure that every action taken conforms with the principles of justice, fairness and the rule of law.

The law professor appealed to the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to disregard individuals allegedly advising the government to proceed with any action capable of disrupting the peace in Awka.

He maintained that safeguarding lives, property and communal harmony should remain the overriding priority of every responsible government, particularly when issues involving traditional institutions are involved.

According to him, dialogue and due process remain the most effective means of resolving disputes, especially those with the potential to generate public anxiety or deepen divisions within the community.

Prof. Nwuba further called on government officials, community leaders, security agencies and other stakeholders to embrace constructive engagement and avoid any action capable of engineering a crisis in Awka.

He emphasized that respect for the law, adherence to due process and commitment to peaceful conflict resolution are essential ingredients for sustaining harmony and preserving the longstanding peace enjoyed by the Awka Kingdom.

The legal scholar reiterated that maintaining law and order must always go hand in hand with fairness, justice and respect for established institutions, adding that peaceful dialogue remains the surest path to resolving contentious issues without endangering public peace.

He urged all parties connected with the matter to act with wisdom, restraint and responsibility in the interest of the Awka Kingdom and Anambra State, expressing optimism that adherence to lawful procedures would prevent any avoidable crisis and strengthen confidence in the state’s commitment to justice and peaceful coexistence.

The reported plan to arrest the monarch remains an allegation. No official statement confirming such a plan had been issued by the Anambra State Government or relevant security agencies at the time of filing this report.