Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Charles O. C. Egumgbe, has called for renewed collaboration between traditional institutions and town unions as a strategic approach to sustaining peace and stability across Enugu State.
He made the call during his maiden meeting with principal officers of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, describing the engagement as a critical step toward strengthening grassroots governance and preventing conflicts.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Egumgbe emphasized the need for mutual respect and cooperation between traditional rulers and town union presidents, urging both institutions to observe the separation of powers guiding their roles. He cautioned traditional rulers against assuming imperial postures, while also reminding town union executives to accord due respect to traditional institutions, noting that both structures are complementary and essential for maintaining peace in communities.
The Commissioner further urged traditional rulers to establish functional palace courts in their respective domains as a proactive measure to promote harmony, reduce communal conflicts, and provide accessible alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. He explained that palace courts would ease the burden of litigation on citizens—particularly the less privileged—while helping to curb oppression and support government efforts to build peaceful and orderly communities.
Dr. Egumgbe noted that Governor Dr. Peter Mbah holds both traditional institutions and town unions in high esteem, recognizing them as critical pillars of community administration. He reiterated the Governor’s stance that conflict-ridden communities cannot achieve peace, progress, or sustainable development, stressing that traditional rulers serve as the “eyes of government at the grassroots” with a responsibility to promote unity, command respect, and foster peaceful coexistence.
Outlining the Ministry’s mandate, the Commissioner highlighted its responsibilities in formulating and implementing chieftaincy policies; creating autonomous communities and villages; establishing and supervising palace courts; registering and regulating chieftaincy constitutions; and overseeing the registration and renewal of town unions, social clubs, and community-based organizations. He affirmed his commitment to due process, transparency, and integrity, acknowledging that resistance may arise but emphasizing that doing the right thing remains paramount.
In his response, the Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, expressed appreciation to the Governor for appointing a competent and experienced leader to head the Ministry. He described Dr. Egumgbe as a game changer and pledged the Council’s full cooperation, particularly in advancing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to promote peace, human capital development, and socio-economic progress.
Other traditional rulers, including HRM Hyacinth I. Eze, echoed similar sentiments, calling for sustained engagement with traditional institutions and rigorous screening of communities seeking autonomy in order to prevent future conflicts.
