The Ekoli-Edda community in Ebonyi State has banished a former Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Eni Uduma Chima, for a period of seven years over his alleged role in recurring communal crises that have plagued the area.
The decision was reached during a general town hall assembly held at Eji Udo Eme Hall in Amueke village, Ekoli-Edda, which brought together all traditional, civic, and socio-cultural bodies under the Ekoli Edda Band of Hope.
According to Mr. Samuel Kalu, President of Ekoli Band of Hope, the banishment was a response to the persistent unrest allegedly instigated by Eni Uduma and his younger brother, which resulted in widespread destruction, injuries, and looting in the community. Kalu noted that the violence, which occurred between May and June 2025, left many homes and vehicles destroyed, and properties looted.
“The community, after assessing the damages — both material and human — placed the financial loss at over ₦106 million. As a result, we have unanimously agreed that Eni Uduma must pay for the damages,” Kalu said. “However, even if he pays the amount, he is not permitted to return until after seven years.”
Kalu also accused the former council chairman of consistently undermining traditional authorities and destabilizing efforts by the state government to ensure peace in the area. He stressed that the decision to ban him was a collective one endorsed by all 12 component villages, town unions, elders, youths, and women groups.
Corroborating the decision, the traditional ruler of Ekoli-Edda,
His Royal majesty Eze Igwe John Igwe, said the meeting was a general assembly — the highest decision-making body of the community — and that the resolution was final and binding.
“For over 15 years, this community has known no peace, and we have narrowed the root cause to Eni Uduma and his brother. Today, the community has risen to say, enough is enough,” the monarch declared.
He added, “We want to restore dignity to our traditional institutions, which have been disrespected and desecrated by his actions. The unanimous decision is not just a punishment but a path to restoring peace and unity in our land.”
Also speaking, Mr. Emma Ndukwe, a former Liaison Officer to the Senate President and Governor, described the meeting as a strategic mid-year assembly aimed at charting a new course for peace and development in the community.
“Peace and security are paramount. This banishment is part of the community’s effort to safeguard its future and protect its people,” Ndukwe stated.
The leaders thanked Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for his past interventions in supporting peace efforts, including the presentation of a staff of office to the community’s traditional ruler and facilitating the election of a substantive town union executive.
Security was visibly present at the venue to ensure order during the meeting, which ended with a firm declaration that any future attempts by Eni Uduma or his associates to disrupt the peace of Ekoli-Edda would be met with decisive community action.
