The Enugu State Police Command has directed the immediate suspension of a planned New Yam Festival in Mburubu community, Nkanu East Local Government Area, following credible intelligence reports indicating potential security threats and public disorder.
In a letter dated October 31, 2025, titled “Security Threat in Mburubu Community”, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa (psc), ordered that the event, reportedly being organized and sponsored by Mr. Jerry Onuokaibe, be suspended until further notice.
According to the correspondence, which was issued after consultations with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, the move became necessary to prevent a likely breakdown of law and order.
The letter noted that the suspension would allow law enforcement and relevant authorities “sufficient time to address and resolve the underlying issues threatening peace in the area.”
Sources within the community disclosed that many Mburubu indigenes view the planned celebration as provocative, as the community had already held its traditional annual Igba Aju (New Yam Festival) in August under the supervision of its officially recognized traditional authorities.
Community leaders accused Onuokaibe of using the proposed event to challenge established leadership, despite earlier court judgments disqualifying him from claiming any traditional title in Mburubu.
In a judgment delivered on February 12, 2025, Justice H. O. Ajah of the Enugu State High Court ruled that Jerry Onuokaibe was never validly elected as the Igwe of Mburubu.
The court described him as having “self-imposed” the title, relying on a factional group called the Mburubu General Assembly.
Justice Ajah clarified that, according to the community’s traditional constitution, the Igweship stool is reserved for candidates from Uhuegbe village, which ranks second in the community’s order of seniority, whereas Onuokaibe hails from Umunafor, the fifth in line.
The court consequently barred him and his supporters from parading him as Igwe-elect or organizing any event implying such authority.
Similarly, the High Court of Enugu State, Amagunze Judicial Division, on October 10, 2025, issued an interim injunction (Suit No. HAMA/24/2025) restraining Onuokaibe from organizing or celebrating any festival under the guise of being the community’s Igwe-elect.
The court specifically prohibited the planned New Yam Festival slated for November 1, 2025, pending further proceedings.
The Enugu State Government and Police Command have jointly reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and respecting the rule of law.
Authorities cautioned that any attempt to defy the directive suspending the event would attract “immediate enforcement action.”
Residents and visitors were also advised to refrain from attending or participating in any unauthorized celebrations within the community.
