An Open Letter To The Executive Governor Of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah

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Your Excellency,

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I wish to sincerely appreciate you once again for the remarkable developmental strides that are evident across Enugu State, including my beloved community of Ette. We are particularly grateful for your recent approval of the Government Technical College (GTC), the proposed site of which is located in Ette. May the Almighty God continue to grant you the wisdom, strength, and grace to positively impact lives across every part of Enugu State. Indeed, as your administration’s slogan says, our tomorrow is here.

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However, I write with a deep sense of concern over an unfortunate incident that occurred on 20th July 2026 during the official handover ceremony of the proposed GTC site. This incident deserves your urgent attention to prevent unnecessary tension and preserve the peace that has long existed among our people.

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The proposed site for the Government Technical College is located at Ogurugu, Ette, in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State. Regrettably, the Local Government Chairman of Igbo-Eze North, Hon. Michael Uchenna Ogalla, accompanied by some of his associates and other stakeholders, visited the site without officially informing or paying the traditional courtesy of notifying our revered Traditional Ruler, His Royal Highness, Innocent Alachi (Adogo Idu II).

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More disturbing was the deliberate renaming of the proposed site from its known and historically recognized name, Ogurugu, to Mbanabo, a name that has never existed in the history of Ette. This action has created the unfortunate impression of an attempt to alter the identity of the land and associate it with the Umuopu community, thereby laying the foundation for avoidable disputes.

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While we wholeheartedly welcome and appreciate the establishment of the Government Technical College in our community, we equally cherish and will continue to defend our identity, history, culture, heritage, and ancestral landmarks. No development, regardless of its significance, should come at the expense of a people’s identity and historical heritage.

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Your Excellency, I respectfully appeal to you to use your good office to call Hon. Michael Ogalla and all concerned parties to order and ensure that no action capable of causing confusion, misunderstanding, or conflict between the people of Ette and Umuopu is allowed to stand. The proposed GTC site should be officially recognized and referred to by its rightful and historical name, Ogurugu, Ette, and not “Mbanabo” or “Umuopu.”

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The peace-loving people of Ette have unwavering confidence in your commitment to justice, fairness, and equity. We trust that your administration will ensure that the truth prevails and that the identity and heritage of our community are protected.

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Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We pray that God Almighty will continue to bless you, strengthen you, and grant you greater success in your service to the people of Enugu State.

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NB: Attached is the link to the video of the official handover ceremony of the land for the proposed site. The video also shows our traditional ruler and members of the community expressing their dissatisfaction with the development – https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CZXNqfAN8/

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Amb. Dr. Honest Ameh
President, Association of Indigenous People of Ette (AIPOE)
Chairman, Ette Unity Forum

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