The traditional ruling council of Ehugbo in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has placed a ban on negative social media posts targeting the community, introducing a ₦100,000 fine for each violation.
The decision follows weeks of online criticism by some youths who accused political leaders of failing to resolve the community’s prolonged electricity challenges, a situation that has lasted over a decade. The complaints, widely shared on social media, have intensified political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held at Ogo Okpoota, a revered assembly ground in Ehugbo, the council—comprising representatives from various age grades—expressed concern over what it described as damaging narratives about the community. The leaders alleged that certain individuals were using online platforms to tarnish the image of Ehugbo and undermine ongoing government projects.
Speaking on behalf of the Esaa Traditional Ruling Council, Chief Moses Erusi warned that any individual found posting content deemed harmful to the reputation of the community on platforms such as Facebook would be fined ₦100,000 per post.
Chief Patrick Oti Owom, representing the Horii Age Grade, reinforced the council’s stance, stressing that preserving cultural values and unity remains essential for development. He cautioned that offenders would be held accountable under the new directive.
Other community leaders also voiced concern that online criticisms were often presented as the collective opinion of Afikpo people, thereby misrepresenting the community. They urged aggrieved individuals to channel their concerns through established traditional dispute resolution systems rather than public platforms.
While acknowledging citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, the council maintained that such rights must be exercised responsibly and not used to damage communal harmony.
In a related directive, the council also frowned at the growing practice of some pastors conducting traditional marriage rites privately without community involvement. It described the act as a violation of cultural norms and warned that defaulters would face sanctions.
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