The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Imo State Police Command to intervene in what it described as a looming threat to peace and security in Ofekata Orodo Autonomous Community, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
In a petition dated June 25, 2026 and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, RULAAC alleged that plans were underway to conduct a town union election despite a subsisting court order restraining parties from holding meetings and elections relating to the community’s town union.
According to the Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, concerned members of the community alerted the organisation to the situation, warning that the proposed election could trigger unrest.
“We have received complaints from community stakeholders alleging that notwithstanding a subsisting order of the High Court of Imo State restraining parties from convening meetings and conducting elections relating to the town union pending the determination of a motion before the court, certain persons led by the Traditional Ruler, His Royal Highness Eze Marcel Uzegbu (Okata II), are proceeding with arrangements to conduct a town union election on Sunday, June 28, 2026,” Nwanguma stated.
He explained that the dispute over the governance and constitutional affairs of the community is currently before a competent court and that the court order was intended to preserve the status quo pending the resolution of the matter.
“We understand that the purpose of the court order is to preserve the subject matter of the litigation and maintain the status quo pending judicial determination of the issues in dispute,” he said.
RULAAC further expressed concern over reports that the planned election had already heightened tensions within the community, leading to confrontations between rival groups.
“We are further informed that efforts to proceed with the proposed election have already generated tension within the community, resulting in confrontations between opposing groups. It is alleged that only the intervention of respected elders and other responsible members of the community prevented an escalation of the situation during a recent meeting held on or about June 21, 2026,” Nwanguma said.
The organisation also raised concerns about alleged remarks by some individuals linked to the planned election, claiming they could proceed regardless of the court order.
“Of particular concern are reports that some persons associated with the planned election have allegedly made statements suggesting that they are immune from accountability and can proceed regardless of the court order. Such claims, whether true or not, have heightened anxiety among community members and increased the risk of conflict,” he added.
Nwanguma stressed that RULAAC was not taking sides in the underlying dispute but was focused on ensuring respect for the rule of law and preventing violence.
“RULAAC is not a party to the dispute and takes no position on the substantive issues before the court. Our concern is limited to the protection of public peace, respect for the authority of the courts, and the prevention of violence,” he said.
He warned that any action perceived as violating a valid court order could provoke resistance and undermine public order.
“We are convinced that any attempt to proceed with actions that are alleged to be contrary to a subsisting court order may trigger resistance, confrontation, and a breakdown of law and order,” Nwanguma stated.
The rights advocacy group urged the police to investigate the complaints, verify the existence and scope of the court order, deploy officers to monitor developments in the community, and take lawful steps to prevent violence.
“The maintenance of peace and public order is a core responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force. We therefore urge your office to act proactively to prevent avoidable conflict and ensure that grievances are resolved through lawful and peaceful means,” Nwanguma said.
RULAAC expressed hope for the prompt intervention of the police to avert any breakdown of law and order in the community ahead of the proposed election date.
