Heir to Umuchinkwuo – Umuogo-uno Chief Priesthood Flees as Community Threatens His Life Over Refusal to Assume Role

BY CHRISTIAN ASONDU

Umuchinkwuo – Umuogo-uno (Enugu State)— The Umuchinkwuo village in Umuogo-uno community of Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State is embroiled in controversy as Mr. Henry Friday Chukwu, the heir apparent to the position of Chief Priest, has gone into hiding.

The small village is in the outskirts of the Umuogo-uno community, with impassable roads which have hindered development and easy access to the village

Chukwu’s refusal to assume the spiritual leadership role following his father’s death has sparked tension within the community, with some members reportedly seeking to take his life.

Mr. Chukwu, a devout christian, has openly rejected the traditional role of Chief Priest due to his religious beliefs, which conflict with the spiritual practices expected of the office.

His father, the late Chief Priest of Umuchinkwuo village, Pa Aaron Chukwu passed away recently, and according to the community’s customs, the position must be filled by his eldest son. However, Mr. Chukwu’s refusal has created a crisis in the community.

Tradition dictates that as long as Mr. Chukwu is alive, no other individual can assume the position, a development that has led to an increasingly dangerous situation for the reluctant heir.

Sources within the community have disclosed that certain factions believe that Chukwu’s refusal is an affront to their customs and that the only way for the priesthood to be passed on is if he dies.

“Henry knows the consequences of rejecting this role. It’s a spiritual and ancestral matter for us; especially, for marrying a non-indigene; This has further put the lives of his first and last daughters in danger. If he’s alive and refuses, our traditions are left in limbo,” said one community elder, who wished to remain anonymous.

Chukwu, fearing for his life, was said to have fled the community with his wife and children, after his father’s burial, leaving behind his extended family and properties.

Efforts to reach him for comment have been unsuccessful, but sources close to him reveal that he remains firm in his decision not to participate in the traditional rites or accept the role.

The situation has sparked debates both within and outside the Umuchinkwuo village, with many questioning the role of ancient customs in modern society.

Human rights advocates have called for a peaceful resolution to the matter, urging the community to respect Mr. Chukwu’s religious convictions.

“It is unacceptable that in this day and age, a man’s life should be threatened because of his faith. We urge the authorities to intervene before this situation escalates further,” said a local human rights activist.

As tensions rise, the Enugu State Police Command has yet to issue a formal statement, but there are concerns about maintaining peace and preventing violence within the region.

The future of the Umuchinkwuo village priesthood remains uncertain, with the community torn between upholding tradition and accepting the possibility of change.

For now, Henry Chukwu and members of his immediate family remain fugitive in their own land, as he is caught between faith and family heritage.