Jubilation in Enugu community over court’s final judgement on ostracization of villagers

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Residents of Edeaniagu, a village within the Ishi-Ozalla community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, burst into celebration after a Federal High Court brought an end to their period of excommunication and marginalization.

On May 21, 2025, the court issued an order barring a former Minister of Information, Chief Frank Nweke Jnr, along with two others from the Ishi-Ozalla community, from labeling the people of Edeaniagu as outsiders, social pariahs, or descendants of slaves within their broader community in Nkanu West, Enugu State.

In addition, the court directed the defendants to compensate Mr. Christian Uzochukwu and the Edeaniagu community with a sum of five million naira for the harm caused by their social exclusion. The ruling also included a mandate for the offenders to issue a formal public apology to the claimant through a nationally recognized newspaper.

As the news reached Edeaniagu, many villagers were seen rejoicing and chanting songs of triumph.

One of the natives, Professor Muna Nweke Okoye, hailed the court’s decision as a monumental one and a significant step toward correcting a longstanding injustice not only in Ishi-Ozalla but throughout the Nkanu region.

Professor Okoye, known for his outspoken stance against societal prejudice in the area, emphasized that the treatment of the Edeaniagu clan represented a severe violation of human rights. He called for greater commitment to upholding human dignity and equality.

“My ancestors, Edeaniagu Odunenye Ndi Ogu, never participated in the enslavement of others. On the contrary, he was dedicated to liberating those who had been captured by slave traders. He took a firm stand against the merchants who sought to bring enslaved individuals into our land, Ozalla, refusing to allow human beings to be treated as mere commodities.

“Edeaniagu Odunenye Ndi Ogu made it explicitly clear to these traders that the land he granted them was never intended to be turned into a slave camp. He stood his ground, putting an end to their operations within our land.

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“As a result, they turned against him, seeing his actions as a direct threat to their business.

“The descendants of these slave merchants in Ozalla are well aware of their history, and they should feel ashamed rather than persist in defending the injustices of their ancestors.

“Instead of addressing and correcting the wrongs committed in the past, they continue to make noise.

“Shame on the children of those who profited from human suffering, and shame also on those descendants of the freed who, rather than standing with those who fought for their liberation, chose instead to side with the merchants against the very people who set them free” – Ufam Prof Muna concluded.

In their remarks, the President General of Edeaniagu Village, Chief Uchenna Nweke, along with the village secretary, Mr. Christian Uzochukwu, reflected on the severe suffering and persistent harassment their community endured following the declaration of their social exclusion. They described the recent court ruling as a major breakthrough and a fresh start for their people.

Both leaders voiced optimism that the damage and losses inflicted during the years of marginalization would be rectified. They also called on the Governor of Enugu State to consider their petition for autonomous community status, which they believe would foster better inclusion and representation within the larger society.

Similarly, Prince Sylvester Chinedu Nweke, another prominent figure in the community, welcomed the judgment as a form of justice for their people. He reaffirmed his dedication to the advancement of Ishi-Ozalla, in keeping with the aspirations of their forebears.

“You see, lies can never prevail over truth. They saw that I have a clear chance of becoming the traditional ruler of Ishi-Ozalla Community and they brought this evil plan of ostracization to prevent me.

“Now the court has quashed everything and even awarded five million naira damages against them. They know the truth and refused to say it. We are the aborigines of Ishi-Ozalla. I thank God for this judgement,” he said.

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