Africa-Press – Nigeria. The people of Edeaniagu, Ishi-Ozalla community in Nkanu West local government area of Enugu State erupted in wide jubilation, following the ending of their ostracisation and excommunication in the community by a Federal High Court.
The court had on the 21st of May 2025 restrained a former minister for information, Chief Frank Nweke jnr and two other members of his Ishi-Ozalla Community from referring to the people of Edeaniagu as non indigenes, outcasts and descendants of slaves in Ishi-Ozalla Community, Nkanu West Locally Government Area of Enugu State.https://dailypost.ng/2025/06/02/intimidation-court-restrains-ex-minister-others-from-excommunicating-ostracizing-enugu-villagers/
The court also ordered the respondents to pay the sum of five million naira as general damage for excommunicating and Ostracising Mr Christian Uzochukwu and his Edeaniagu village of the community, adding that they must write to the applicant a public apology in a national daily.
When the news filtered into the Edeaniagu village, some of the villagers were seen singing victory songs
Reacting to the development, an indigene of the village, Prof. Muna Nweke Okoye, described the judgement as landmark and victory over an age long injustice in Ishi-Ozalla Community and Nkanu Land in general.
Ufam Prof Okoye who has been vocal in condemning social discrimination in Nkanu Land, noted that the excommunication and ostracization of Edeaniagu clan was the height of man inhumanity to man and stressed the need for respect to human rights and dignity.
“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.
“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.
Also speaking, the President General of Edeaniagu Village, Chief Uchenna Nweke and the Secretary, Mr Christian Uzochukwu recalled that their people suffered untold hardship and intimidation since the pronouncement of ostracization against them, describing the court judgement as a big relief and new dawn to the people.
They expressed the hope that all they had lost as a result of the ugly trend be restored while appealing to the Enugu State governor to grant their request for an autonomous community to ensure proper integration into the society.
Another community leader, Prince Sylvester Chinedu Nweke said the court order had vindicated his people while reiterating his commitment to the development of Ishi-Ozalla in line with the dreams of their ancestors.
“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.
Other stakeholders from the community, including Chief Peter Agu and Pastor Luke Eze said the judgement has provided an opportunity for peaceful coexistence in Ishi-Ozalla and advised those feeding fat from the crises to desist forth with.
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