News
UPU Insists Supreme Court Verdict Settles Umuchukwu Identity, Backs Maduka’s Igweship
By Olisemeka Sony
The Umuchukwu Progressive Union (UPU) says the Supreme Court ruling of January 13, 2025 affirming the change of the community’s name from Nkerehi to Umuchukwu has settled the long-standing identity dispute rocking the richly blessed town in Orumba North local government area of Anambra state.
Speaking through its President General, Chief Adinchezor Chukwuemeka, UPU said the judgment upholding the government gazette recognising Umuchukwu represents the final legal position on the matter. He warned that any attempt by some persons to revert to the former name would be contrary to the law.
“The verdict of the Supreme Court is final. It is not subject to further debate. Any attempt to return to the old name will not stand because the law is clear,” he said.
The union further stated that the transition followed what it described as a democratic process, including a referendum by community members, and was subsequently affirmed through the courts.
On traditional leadership, the UPU also maintained that the election of Chief Kenneth Maduka as the traditional ruler of Umuchukwu remains valid.
According to the PG, the electoral process that produced Igwe Maduka was conducted in line with established guidelines and supervised by officials of the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
He added that the outcome reflected the will of the people and should not be undermined by opposing views.
“The election of Igwe Kenneth Maduka was conducted under due process and government supervision. The mandate remains intact,” he said.
The union urged residents and stakeholders to disregard what it described as misleading claims and to support ongoing efforts toward peace and development in the community.
Meanwhile, AnambraDaily gathered that about 127 persons voted for Chief Maduka, a legal expert during the election conducted at the 2026 edition of Umuchukwu Progressive Union, UPU annual meeting, with the entire community in attendance.
“The election was participated by the entire community under the watchful eyes of officials of the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters”, a member of the town union executive who spoke under anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to press disclosed.
He equally dismissed claims that a court injunction was used to stop the exercise from taking place. “We are only hearing that some persons went to court to stop the election on the social media. We did not receive any court paper. I’m also sure that those officials of the state government who conducted the election did not get it either otherwise they would not have went ahead with the exercise.
“By the way, it would not have mattered since the supreme court had already settled everything about the name change and Igweship”, the community leader said.
A video clip of the exercise sighted by this paper confirmed that the exercise was well attended and without Incidents.
