Three traditional rulers in Umuiheuze 1 Clan, Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, have been suspended over alleged breaches of chieftaincy rules, customs, and traditions.
The Umuiheuze 1 Clan Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs announced the sanctions as part of measures to enforce its customary laws and to deter further violations by members of the traditional institution.
Those affected are Chief Dr. Greg Chigemecha, Chief Monday Nwachukwu of Obunku, and Chief Kingsley Douglas of Mgboji Community.
In a statement dated September 25, 2026, signed by the Enyenweali and Paramount Ruler of Umuosi Ndoki and Chairman of the Umuiheuze 1 Clan Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Oscar Friday C. Deigh, alongside the Enyenweali XIII of Egberu Ndoki Kingdom, HRH Eze Boniface Akawor, the council outlined the allegations against the affected chiefs and the sanctions imposed.
The council alleged that Chief Chigemecha breached the traditional oath binding members of the institution by seeking to install himself as the Paramount Ruler, or Enyenweali, of Obunku Ndoki Community.
According to the statement, the council reviewed the matter and, guided by its customary laws and traditions, resolved to impose sanctions on the affected chiefs.
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Among the resolutions, the council declared that the purported coronation of Chief Chigemecha as Paramount Ruler of Obunku-Ndoki Community on September 4, 2026, was not recognised by the Umuiheuze 1 Clan Council of Traditional Rulers.
The council alleged that the coronation was conducted by individuals who were not traditionally authorised to carry out such an exercise and without its knowledge, approval, or participation.
It further announced the cancellation and withdrawal of Chigemecha’s certificate or staff of office as compound chief of the Umunwankwo Compound in Obunku Ndoki Community, pending what it described as his need to purge himself of the alleged breach of tradition.
The council also barred him from participating in its meetings and directed him to desist from presenting himself, addressing people or performing functions as a chief or as the Paramount Ruler of Obunku Ndoki Community.
The traditional rulers said the council would collaborate with relevant government, security and traditional authorities to monitor compliance with the sanctions.
They maintained that the measures were necessary to protect the traditional institution and prevent actions which, in their view, could disrupt the customs and traditional leadership structure of the clan and Obunku-Ndoki Community.
The statement concluded with an appeal for restraint, stating: “Let wise counsel prevail.”
However, responding on behalf of the suspended chiefs, Dr. Chigemecha rejected the council’s position. He said he was duly coronated in accordance with the rules governing the traditional institution of the clan and expressed surprise at the reported suspension.
