Aguleri-Umuoba Anam Crisis: Soludo Sets Up Judicial Panel, Fixes February Deadline

By Chibuzo Obidike | IchieTimes

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the communal crisis between Umuoba Anam and Aguleri, giving the panel until February 28, 2027, to submit its findings and recommendations.

The commission is expected to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the dispute, identify factors that could trigger further hostilities and recommend measures for achieving lasting peace between the affected communities.

The development was announced in a press release signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, on October 16, 2026.

The panel will specifically examine the crisis that erupted between the communities from October 1 to 4, 2026, alongside the historical complaints, petitions and other issues underlying the dispute.

It is also mandated to identify factors that could lead to renewed conflict between Umuoba Anam and Aguleri or involve either community and its neighbours, and recommend steps the state government should take to resolve the dispute.

Retired Justice Nkemdilim Izuakor will chair the commission. Other members are Ven. Onyinye Ilione, Rev. Fr. Cyril Elochukwu Mokwe, C.P. Ndianefo, HRH Peter Chukwuma Anigbogu and HRH Peter Ezeamama. The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Hon. Ekenechukwu Okoye, will serve as secretary.

In carrying out its assignment, the commission is required to consider relevant court judgments and contractual agreements relating to the dispute, ensuring that its recommendations take existing legal decisions and agreements into account.

The establishment of the panel follows a peace meeting convened by Soludo at the Government House in Awka, which brought together traditional rulers, presidents general and community leaders from Aguleri, Umueri and Anam.

At the meeting, the parties agreed to a total cessation of hostilities, while the governor pledged to establish a commission to examine the issues behind the crisis and explore a lasting resolution.

Soludo has urged stakeholders in the affected communities to cooperate fully with the commission and refrain from any action capable of undermining the ongoing peace efforts.

The commission’s findings and recommendations are expected to guide the state government’s next steps towards resolving the dispute, preventing further violence and restoring lasting peace among the affected communities.