By Our Correspondent
Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has announced that the 2026 Imo Awka Annual Festival will no longer hold on May 23, sparking outrage among some traditionalists who insist that “humans cannot change the date chosen by the gods.”
The governor made the announcement during a meeting with the Ozo Awka Society led by Sir Chukwujekwu Eze. He also addressed the lingering traditional leadership crisis in Awka.
According to custodians of tradition, May 23 had long been spiritually designated for the sacred festival rites. They warned that altering the date would amount to “tampering with the will of the gods.”
“Imo Awka is not an ordinary social event that politicians can shift at will,” a prominent traditionalist said,adding “The date was chosen spiritually. What the gods have approved cannot be changed by man.”
Another elder argued that the spiritual timetable of the festival had always been respected, and insisted that tradition should not be sacrificed for political convenience.
But in a Facebook post, Soludo defended the postponement: “I know how important the festival is. But May 23, 2026 won’t work. There’s a major statewide event that day, and we cannot split security.”
He urged Awka stakeholders to agree on a new unified date, stressing that while government would provide law and order, only the people of Awka could guarantee lasting peace.
In an emotional speech, the governor lamented decades of underdevelopment in Awka despite its status as the state capital.
“Awka is my home. It is our capital. And for 34 years, we pretended. No Government House. No Lodge. No vision. That jinx is broken,” he declared.
Soludo highlighted ongoing projects, including the Light House complex and Solution Fun City, saying Awka must become “a destination, not a junction.”
He also addressed the protracted Eze Uzu Awka stool dispute, warning that government would no longer tolerate illegality and disorder.
According to him, a Commission of Inquiry found that Obi Gibson Nwosu was never dethroned, while Austine Ndigwe was never legally enthroned.
“The law is the law. If you parade yourself as a second traditional ruler in one community, you go to jail. Period,” Soludo warned.
He stressed that zoning arrangements in Awka should be respected, noting that it is now Nkwelle’s turn under the community’s constitution.
Calling on Ndi Ozo to rise to the occasion, the governor described them as “the conscience of the land,” adding that truthful leadership from elders would help restore peace and dignity in Awka.
Soludo also revealed plans to build a grand central palace for the Eze Uzu Awka, comparable to those in Onitsha and Ile-Ife, and promised government support to complete it within 12 months.
“My only interest is for Anambra to work, for Awka to regain its lost glory, and for our capital to become truly cosmopolitan — clean, smart, and proud,” he said.
“The duty of leadership is to save people, sometimes from themselves. I will do my part. Awka, do yours,” he added.
