History, Origin, Culture and Tradition of Udenu Local Government Area in Enugu

Tonpregha undutimi Richard Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Basis

Situated in the southeastern part of Nigeria, Udenu is one of the Local Government Areas within Enugu State. Its administrative capital is located in Obollo-Afor (also known as Obolo), strategically positioned along the A3 expressway.

Geographically, Udenu shares borders with the Nsukka area, particularly connecting through Nru Nsukka and the well-known town of Orba-Udulekenyi, often simply referred to as Orba.

Covering approximately 248 square kilometers (about 96 square miles), Udenu recorded a population of 178,466 based on the 2006 national census. Udenu’s postal code is 412.

##Historical Development
Politically recognized as a distinct Local Government Area in Enugu State, Udenu has seen several administrative transformations. Its earliest formal establishment came in 1981, when it was carved from the old Isi-Uzo LGA under President Shehu Shagari's civilian administration. However, this development was short-lived; the military coup led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari nullified the creation of newly established local governments.

Between 1981 and 1983, Hon. Silas Odoh from Ezimo served as the first administrator, followed briefly by Hon. Okey Ogbonna (popularly known as Caesar) from Amalla, who led for six months before the military takeover.

On October 1, 1996, Udenu was reestablished by the military regime of General Sani Abacha, along with several other local councils. Samuel A. Ozioko (KSM) was appointed as the sole administrator of the newly constituted LGA, which initially had ten political wards. A 2003 census recorded Udenu’s population at 178,687—88,381 males and 90,306 females.

Currently, Udenu comprises three development zones and roughly 25 self-governing communities. The zones are known as Udenu Development Centre, Udunedem Development Centre, and Orba Development Centre.

##Development Centres and Communities
Udenu Zone Includes:

Amalla

Ifruka Umu Enachi

Umu Egali

Obollo-Afor

Umu Ekwenu

Iheakpu

Obollo-Nkwo

Ibenda

Obollo-Orie

Obollo-Etiti

Ogwu/Ugbabe Uwani

Isi-Enu

Ajorogwu

This region is currently overseen by Dr. Daniel Ugwu.

Orba Zone Comprising :

Ohom

Ajuona

Agu Orba

Orba

This area is currently administered by Beatrice Ezeaku.

Udunedem Zone Encompasses:

Umundu

Ogbodu-Aba

Igugu

Ezimo Ulo

Ezimo Agu

Imilike Etiti

Imilike Enu

Imilike Ani

##Leadership Chronology in Udenu
The first elected chairman after Udenu’s 1996 reestablishment was Chief James O. Ugwu from Imilike ward, elected in 1997 under the Democratic Party of Nigeria. Despite post-election disputes with the United Nigeria People's Party, his administration lasted until 1999.

With the fall of General Sani Abacha in 1998, General Abdulsalami Abubakar dissolved existing political parties and formed new platforms. In 1999, Chief Eugene Odoh from Obollo-Afor became the second executive chairman under the All People's Party (later ANPP). After his term ended in 2001, he briefly returned as a caretaker chairman until 2002.

In 2002, a transitional government led by Chief Bernard A. Eze from Obollo-Afor was inaugurated. After elections in 2003, he resumed as a caretaker leader until 2004, when Chief B.B.C. Ayogu (JP), then head of personnel management, served briefly as sole administrator.

A fresh election in 2004 brought in Hon. Fabian Ugwu from Obollo-Eke under the PDP. His administration faced challenges, leading his deputy Kevin Ojobor to serve temporarily. Ugwu returned to office after a suspension before handing over to a caretaker in 2007.

Chief Hon. Innocent Anayo Eze from Obollo-Etiti headed the caretaker committee briefly in 2007. In January 2008, Hon. Prince Ezeh, a medical doctor from Amalla ward, took office as the fourth executive chairman. His tenure ended in January 2010.

Dr. Godwin Ejikeme Abonyi became the fifth chairman in 2010. After a successful term, he was reelected in 2012, serving until 2014.

Hon. Amaechi Nwodo took over in January 2014. He led until 2016 when the caretaker system returned, appointing Hon. Frank Ugwu of Orba ward.

In 2017, following a local government election, Hon. Frank Ugwu officially became the seventh executive chairman and remains in office today.

##Distinguished Individuals from Udenu

Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Gburugburu), CON – Former Governor of Enugu State

Ifeanyi Ossai – Deputy Governor of Enugu State

Hon. Frank Ugwu – Current LGA Chairman

Prof. D.N. Ezeh – Academic

Hon. Silas Odoh – Pioneer LGA Administrator

Hon. Okey Ogbonna (Caesar) – Former Council Leader

Samuel A. Ozioko (KSM) – First Sole Administrator

Chief James O. Ugwu – First Elected Chairman