Stakeholders in the Amankpaka community of Ugwuogo Nike in Enugu East Local Government Area have praised the recent judgment by the Enugu State High Court, saying it averted what could have escalated into a major crisis.
The judgment, delivered on June 23, 2025, in case No. CME/288/2021—Chief Festus Oguegbe vs. Hon. Gab Onu & 5 Ors—reversed a lower court’s ruling that nullified Oguegbe’s challenge over the alleged unlawful constitution of a new power of attorney for the community.
At a previous hearing before Magistrate I.M. Mamah of the Enugu South magisterial district, the claim was dismissed on the basis that the plaintiff lacked legal standing to sue.
Undeterred, Chief Oguegbe, who serves as General Secretary of the Amankpaka Community General Assembly, appealed to the High Court, citing violations against the community’s constitution.
He had sought the following orders:
A declaration that the defendants’ purported establishment of a new “Power of Attorney”—without consultation with the Elders Council and General Assembly—was unlawful.
A perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from forming a new Power of Attorney in disregard of the community constitution.
A court directive compelling defendants to respect and implement the provisions of the Amankpaka constitution concerning appointment and reconstitution of the Power of Attorney.
Presiding judge, Justice R. N. Orji, ruled the magistrate’s court lacked jurisdiction “ab initio” and granted all the reliefs requested by Chief Oguegbe.
The respondents were ordered to adhere to the legal and constitutional framework.
Addressing the verdict, David Chibuzo Ugwuede, speaking for community leaders, welcomed the ruling:
“There’s a ray of light and hope coming into the community and the people are hopeful that there’s going to be a light at the end of the tunnel”.
He expressed relief that the community was preserved from being “unconstitutional and legal emasculation,” which could have led to instability.
