The traditional ruler of Akpakume autonomous community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, HRH Ekwueme Odenigbo, has raised an alarm over threats to his life and a violent attack on his palace, allegedly orchestrated by Livinus Okoro, also known as “Zion.” The monarch, who is currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the attack, accused Okoro of leading a group of over 20 armed men who stormed his palace on December 23, 2024. The assailants, wielding axes, machetes, guns, and sticks, ransacked the palace, took the monarch’s staff of office, certificate of oath, and other valuables, including two iPhone 15 Pro Max phones and money donated during a church crusade.
According to Igwe Odenigbo, the attack occurred when Okoro’s group falsely claimed that the state government had dethroned him. Okoro ordered the confiscation of the traditional ruler’s symbols of authority and even attempted to strangle the monarch’s wife, Lolo Mary Ekwueme. Community youths intervened, and the monarch was rushed to a hospital in Enugu, where he and his wife have been recovering.
HRH Odenigbo condemned Okoro’s actions, describing them as sacrilegious, and demanded that justice be served. Youth leader Emmanuel Obodugo also vowed to ensure that those involved in the attack would face consequences. The monarch’s wife, deeply shaken by the event, appealed to the Enugu State government to intervene and ensure the safety of her family and the community, which she said was living in fear.
The monarch has called on Governor Peter Mbah to restore peace in Akpakume and prevent further chaos caused by what he called power-hungry individuals.
