The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the suspension of the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Opi Ogbozalla Autonomous Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, HRH Igwe Williams (Willy) Ezugwu, alleging that the action may be connected to his reception of former Anambra State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Thursday, October 1, 2026, HURIWA described the suspension as an “unacceptable descent into political intimidation” and an assault on the dignity of the traditional institution.
The rights group questioned the circumstances surrounding the suspension, particularly its timing after Obi reportedly visited the monarch at his palace.
“It is utterly disgraceful that a traditional ruler could be suspended in circumstances coming so closely after he received Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in his palace,” HURIWA said.
According to the organisation, the reported conduct appeared to amount to receiving a visitor, welcoming a former governor and praying for him.
HURIWA therefore asked Governor Peter Mbah whether receiving Obi had become an offence in Enugu State.
“Is receiving Peter Obi now a crime in Enugu State? Is praying for a visitor now an offence punishable by suspension?” the group asked.
The organisation also challenged the state government to disclose the specific grounds for the suspension if they were unrelated to Obi’s visit.
“If there is another reason for the suspension, HURIWA demands that Governor Mbah immediately publish it and present the evidence before Nigerians,” the statement said.
HURIWA said the phrase “persistent misconduct”, reportedly used to justify the suspension, was too vague and called for the government to provide details of the allegations against the traditional ruler.
It asked the state government to produce evidence showing that Obi’s visit constituted misconduct, identify any specific provision of the Traditional Rulers Law allegedly breached by the monarch, and disclose the allegations and process through which he was given an opportunity to defend himself.
The group also raised questions about whether the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate had sought to visit the same traditional ruler and whether the monarch had refused to receive him.
“Where is the evidence?” HURIWA asked, while insisting that Nigerians deserved clear answers rather than administrative ambiguity.
The association further argued that traditional rulers should not be treated as political appointees or punished for receiving political visitors.
“The palace is not a political party office. A traditional ruler is not a political foot soldier. And receiving Peter Obi is not, in itself, a criminal offence,” HURIWA said.
The organisation warned against what it described as the politicisation of traditional institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that traditional rulers and their institutions should remain above partisan politics.
HURIWA also raised constitutional concerns over the suspension, particularly if the monarch was not given an opportunity to know the allegations against him, respond to them and defend himself before the action was taken.
“The constitutional guarantee of fair hearing cannot be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency,” the group said.
HURIWA consequently demanded the immediate reversal of the suspension unless the Enugu State Government could publicly establish a clear legal basis, specific misconduct and compliance with due process.
The association also called on Governor Mbah to apologise to the traditional institution if it was established that the monarch had been punished without fair hearing or that his reception of Obi influenced the decision.
“Enugu must not become a theatre where traditional institutions are sacrificed on the altar of 2027 politics,” HURIWA said.
The group maintained that traditional institutions had survived successive governments and political administrations because their authority was rooted in the people, culture and history of their communities.
“Political leaders come and go, administrations come and go, but traditional institutions belong to the people and carry generations of history,” the statement added.
HURIWA said it would continue to oppose any attempt to drag traditional authority into partisan political battles, concluding: “The palace must remain a palace—not an extension of the ruling party’s political machinery.”
