The traditional ruler of Akpakwume Autonomous Community in Udi Local Government Area, HRH Ekwueme Odenigbo, has urgently appealed to Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, following an alleged attack on his palace by a group led by Livinus Okoro, also known as “Zion.”
Addressing journalists from Enugu, where he is receiving medical treatment, the monarch accused Okoro and over 20 armed men of invading his palace on Monday, December 23, 2024. According to Odenigbo, the assailants were armed with axes, machetes, guns, and sticks, and stole his staff of office and certificate of oath. The monarch claims that Okoro falsely declared that the Enugu State government had dethroned him and ordered the confiscation of his official symbols of authority.
Still recovering from the shock of the attack, HRH Odenigbo appealed to Governor Mbah for protection, urging him to intervene and restore peace to Akpakwume. He also accused Okoro of creating division in the community by forming a rival faction and disregarding the authority of the monarchy.
“I thank God you met me alive. If not for His special grace, I might not have been here to narrate this,” the monarch said, expressing gratitude to Governor Mbah for his efforts toward maintaining peace in the state. “But Livinus Okoro has taken the law into his hands. He has refused to respect my position as Igwe.”
Recounting the invasion, Igwe Odenigbo said, “On December 23, 2024, around 10 a.m., while most people were at work and on their farms, a man named Chijioke Pauly came to my house to discuss peace. But shortly after, over 20 armed men stormed my home, ransacked my bedroom, and stole my staff of office and certificate. Livinus Okoro claimed the state government had dethroned me.”
The monarch also shared disturbing details of the attack, including an alleged attempt by Okoro to strangle his wife and the subsequent intervention of community youths. He was eventually rushed to a hospital in Enugu, where he and his wife have been recovering.
A palace secretary condemned the attack, calling it a desecration of the palace and a sacrilegious act. “What Livinus Okoro did to Igwe Odenigbo is sacrilegious. He desecrated the palace and carted away valuables, including two iPhone 15 Pro Max phones, gold, and money donated during a church crusade,” he said, vowing that the perpetrators would face justice.
Youth leader Emmanuel Obodugo also condemned the attack, vowing that those involved would be held accountable. “This is a disgrace to our community. We know the youths who supported Livinus, and we will not let them go unpunished,” he stated.
In a tearful appeal, Igwe Odenigbo’s wife, Lolo Mary Ekwueme, urged the state government to provide security for their family and the community. “We are living in fear. Livinus Okoro and his men came armed to the teeth. He tried to strangle me, but God saved me. I have never witnessed such terror,” she lamented.
When contacted, Livinus Okoro denied the allegations, claiming he was not present in the community on the day of the attack. “I didn’t attack the palace. I was not around that day; I traveled, and from there, I came to where I am now,” he said.
