By Our correspondent
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has presented certificates of recognition to three traditional rulers, including Igwe Francis Ugochukwu Chikezie of Azia in Ihiala Local Government Area.
The ceremony, held at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, marked a significant milestone for Azia community, which had been without a monarch for nine years due to a dispute over the stool.
The recipients of the certificates were Igwe Francis Ugochukwu Chikezie, referred to as Igwe Ugodinaobi of Azia in Ihiala; Igwe Timothy Okwudiri Ifurunwa, known as Igwe Odudu 1 of Ihite in Orumba South; and Igwe (Sir) Obiora Anachuna, popularly known as Igwe Orazulunye of Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area.
Speaking at the ceremony, Soludo emphasized the importance of traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, and development.
He urged the new rulers to prioritize good governance, their people’s welfare, and community harmony.
The event showcased the Anambra State Government’s commitment to empowering traditional leadership for community development.
Dignitaries present included Chief Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs.
Recall that Azia community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State witnessed a historic event as High Chief Francis Ugochukwu Chikezie (Ugodinobi) was coronated as the new Igwe of Azia Ancient Kingdom.
The coronation ceremony marked the end of a 9-year igweship tussle that had plagued the community.
The coronation process began at 6:00 am at Nkwo-Ukpaka, followed by a high pontifical mass at Obom community field, Azia.
The mass was officiated by Very Rev Fr Titus Nnabugwu, while the Episcopal Vicar of Ozubulu Region, Very Rev Fr Dr Hygi Aghulor, delivered the homily.
In his homily, Fr Aghulor likened crises in any community to a leprous situation, emphasizing that any issue affecting the peace of the town and its people is a leprous condition. He thanked God for Azia community’s ability to rejoice after nearly a decade of crises, noting that God has blessed Azia with a monarch who is also a preacher of the gospel.
The newly coronated monarch, HRH Igwe Ugodinobi, described his emergence as an act of God. He applauded the community, inauguration committee, Palace Secretary, and friends of the community for their support.
The President General of Azia, Dr Toonna Nwabueze, expressed his joy at the restoration of peace in the community, stating that the coronation of Igwe Azia is a dream come true.
Anambra South senatorial hopeful, Mr Paul Orajiaka (Kpakpando Azia), applauded the community for overcoming the 9-year royal tussle. He thanked the Anambra State government for its role in resolving the crisis and appealed to the community to support the new monarch.
Orajiaka also charged the Igwe to build bridges of reconciliation with those who may have been aggrieved during the tussle. He noted that the calibre of dignitaries who attended the ceremony highlights the importance of the event to Ihiala LGA, Anambra State, and Nigeria as a whole.
Dignitaries in attendance included Most Rev Jonas Benson Okoye, Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese; Chief Chuma Nzeribe; Chief Pually Nwaonuma; Ndinze na ozo of Azia; and the Executive Chairman of Ihiala LGA, among others.
