A simmering dispute between Mr. Sunday Udeh, an Enugu-based trader and owner of Blessed Sunny Electrical, and his former apprentice, Mr. Michael Nwauba from Ebonyi State, has sparked widespread public attention following allegations of unpaid settlement, theft, and misconduct.
The controversy erupted when Michael Nwauba, in a viral video, accused his former employer of refusing to settle him after years of apprenticeship, claiming that he had served under Udeh for ten years without compensation. Nwauba’s accusations quickly gained traction on social media, with many sympathizing with the young man’s claims.
However, Mr. Udeh vehemently rejected these accusations in a recent interview with journalists, choosing to clear his name in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Independence Layout, Enugu. He called the allegations “false, diversionary, and sentimental,” insisting that Michael had only served him for eight years and six months, not the ten years he claimed.
Udeh explained that Michael was introduced to him by his elder brother, who was also an apprentice at a pharmacy in Enugu. Initially reluctant to take on another apprentice after a bad experience with a previous trainee who allegedly stole from him, Udeh said that Michael had sworn an oath before Rev. Fr. Okunerere in Nsukka, pledging not to steal from him during his service.
“I made it clear to his brother that if Mike stole from me, I would send him home. They all agreed. He eventually stayed for eight years and six months,” Udeh stated. He also denied the accusation that Michael was made to swear an oath in any shrine, clarifying that the oath was taken in the presence of Rev. Fr. Okunerere.
Udeh went further to explain that he withheld Michael’s settlement after discovering his involvement in a burglary at his shop. According to Udeh, goods worth N1.8 million were stolen from his store, and the suspect who was caught with the stolen items confessed that Michael had directed him to dispose of the goods and never return. The matter, Udeh revealed, was taken up by the market union.
The trader also responded to claims that he had prevented his apprentices from attending church. Udeh acknowledged imposing restrictions on their church attendance, but explained this decision stemmed from discovering that some of his apprentices, including Michael, were using their “church visits” as a cover for drinking binges at hotels like Golden Royale and Hardbreak.
Michael had further accused Udeh of making disparaging remarks against the people of Ebonyi State, but Udeh firmly denied these allegations. “I couldn’t have said that even in my dreams,” he said. “My younger brother’s wife is from Ebonyi, and I have many friends from there who can attest to my goodwill. Igbo is one.”
The most startling revelation, however, was Udeh’s claim that investigators had discovered three bank accounts operated by Michael while he was still serving as an apprentice. One of the accounts allegedly contained N5.8 million, which Michael purportedly explained came from “tips given by customers.” Udeh questioned the legitimacy of such claims, pointing out that it was unusual for an apprentice to manage multiple bank accounts.
The ongoing dispute, which has now been taken up by both the police and local market authorities, has divided public opinion in Enugu. Some traders argue that young apprentices deserve fair treatment and timely settlement after years of dedicated service, while others believe that loyalty, accountability, and honesty remain central to the traditional Igbo apprenticeship system.
As the case unfolds, market leaders and traders in Enugu are watching closely. The controversy has sparked broader discussions about potential reforms to the “nwa boy” system, which has historically produced many successful Igbo entrepreneurs but is now facing challenges in the context of modern realities.
