Two traditional rulers reportedly emerged in Awkuzu community, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State, following alleged installation of Chief Chibuike Okafor, on Monday, as the traditional ruler of the community.
Meanwhile, State Government had recognized and issued certificate of Recognition to Igwe Prof. Charles Anikweze.
Crowning Okafor as the Ezeaganama 111 and authentic monarch of the community, the Okpala, (first son) of Awkuzu, Chief Nweke Ozoemena Mgbike, aged 97, said that igweship stool runs in the family of Aganama and not rotational.
“Whoever that is the king of Awkuzu must be crowned here by me as the Okpala Awkuzu and receive (offor) the staff of office from me. Now that Okafor has been crowned today as the Ezeaganama 111 of Awkuzu, whoever that is against this crowning will be fought by the spirits and gods of the land.
” From today, being Nkwo market day, he will be addressed as Igwe of Awkuzu because he has been crowned. Igweship in Awkuzu is not rotational, it is inherited, always in Aganama family,” Okpala Awkuzu stated.
Contributing, three representatives of the three quarters in Awkuzu, Ezi , represented by Aganama, Ifite-Ezeudene and Ikenga-Ezeodiwe, expressed satisfaction with the crowning.
Reacting, the prime Minister, (Onowu), Chief Tochukwu Mgbako, said that it was now that the community get their God-given monarch who went through the normal process to be crowned the monarch of Awkuzu.
“It is in the family of Aganama that any Igwe must emerge and then be crowned by the Okpala Awkuzu who is aged 97. The last Igwe we had was Igwe John Nnebolisa, who joined his ancestors in 2005,” he hinted.
Also speaking, Chief Emmanuel Obiemeka Oramulu, Onoselueze, said that, “Government gives certificate but community enthrones a monarch in line with the tradition and culture of the people”.
Earlier, the Owelle of Awkuzu, Hon. Peter Emenaka, stated that, peace has been restored with the crowning of Okafor as the monarch after about 18 years of Igweship crises.
Also, a popular traditional medical doctor, Chief Oguejiofor Okafor Ezedibia, stated that any monarch must be crowned by the Okpala Awkuzu and follow tradition in piloting the affairs of the community.
In his speech, Hon. Dr Anthony Jiendu, former Oyi council Area chairman, High Chief Jude Anieka and others expressed optimism that with the installation, the community will experience massive infrastructural development, lamenting that Igweship crises in the area tore it into pieces for about six years.
Also, Ezeudene , Chief Okoye Agbata, said that igweship was not rotational but inherited in Aganama family.
In his response, the newly elected monarch thanked the people for finding him worthy to be crowned their monarch adding that whoever that wants good thing, good thing will follow him.
“With my crowning as the monarch and Ezeaganama 111 of Awkuzu, peace which eluded the people for over 18 years and tranquility have been restored. It is thanks to God for the love He has for us all these years.
“Now that I have been crowned as the monarch, by the Okpala Awkuzu, Awkuzu has gotten a traditional ruler ordained by God to pilot the affairs of the people,” he stated.
