For the second time, a claimed traditional ruler of Awka Kingdom, Chief Austin Ndigwe has dated the Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, insisting he is rightful traditional ruler of the community.
Ndigwe has been locked in a bitter kingship tussle with Gibson Nwosu, the perceived authentic monarch of the community.
Nwosu had been allegedly dethroned some three years ago and Ndigwe enthroned, but he continues to lay claims to the throne, prompting the governor to institute a panel to determine who the rightful monarch is.
The panel recently submitted its report, affirming Nwosu as the rightful monarch. The governor in view of this warned Ndigwe to stop parading himself as monarch.
But a week ago at a traditional function, Ndigwe paraded himself as monarch. He had previously described the panel’s recommendation as mere academic exercise.
To further stamp his authority, on Monday, Ndigwe again played a prominent role as monarch in defiance to Soludo’s order by announcing the date of the widely celebrated Egwu Imoka festival, a traditional event that celebrates the culture of the land.
Below is the full press release Ndigwe posted on his Facebook page.
OBU AUSTIN NDIGWE, EZE UZU III OF AWKA ANCIENT KINGDOM ANNOUNCES KEY DATES FOR 2026 EGWU IMOKA FESTIVAL
The Eze odinani of Awka Kingdom, Obu Dr. Chukwuezugo Austin Ndigwe, MON, JP, EzeUzu III, has announced the dates for the 2026 Egwu Imoka Cultural Festival following the consultation by the Imo Awka Chief Priest.
The announcement highlights:
– Umuokpu Day on the 18th
– Opueke Day on the 22nd
– Egwu Imoka Day on the 23rd of May 2026
These dates form part of the sacred timeline of the age-long Imo Awka festival, a vibrant celebration that honours Imoka, the guardian goddess of Awka people, while reinforcing unity, cultural heritage, and spiritual renewal across the 33 villages of the ancient kingdom.
In a statement issued by Obu Austin Ndigwe, the Eze Odinani of Awka Kingdom, he described the dates released by the Chief Priest of Imo Awka shrine as a positive step that upholds the sanctity and continuity of Awka’s rich traditions.
“I welcome with great joy and full support the dates released by our revered Chief Priest and traditionalists for the 2026 edition of Egwu Imoka. Umuokpu Day on the 18th, Opueke on the 22nd, and the grand Egwu Imoka on the 23rd of May are not mere calendar entries, they are sacred milestones that connect us to our ancestors, celebrate the strength of our women, and invoke the blessings of Imoka for peace, progress, and prosperity in Awka Kingdom,” the monarch declared.
He further emphasized that the festival remains a unifying force for Ndi Awka, both at home and in the diaspora. “This announcement signals our collective readiness to prepare spiritually and logistically so that the 2026 edition will surpass previous years in order, grandeur, and cultural depth,” he added.
He outlined the Significance of the Announced Days to include:-
Umuokpu Day (18th May 2026) traditionally kicks off key activities with a symbolic journey to Umuokpu, one of the foundational villages of Awka. It serves as an invitation to brothers and a moment of homage, often featuring funfare, masquerades, and communal hospitality such as the serving of Abacha Mmili (cassava flakes) and coconut to participants. This day heralds the main events and underscores themes of protection, kinship, and ancestral solidarity.
Opueke Day (22nd May 2026) is dedicated to the beauty, grace, and elegance of Awka women and maidens. It features the iconic Egwu Opu-Eke (women’s dance), a colourful display of feminine strength, dance, and cultural pride that pays homage to Imoka and celebrates womanhood in the community.
*Egwu Imoka Day (23rd May 2026) marks the grand climax of the festival, known for its spectacular masquerade displays, music, dances, and spiritual communion. It brings together the entire kingdom in a colourful procession that draws indigenes, visitors, and tourists to witness Awka’s living heritage. The day is often described as the “grand finale” of the Imo Awka festival, featuring the awe-inspiring Egwu Imo-Oka and other traditional performances.*
The full Imo Awka festival typically spans about two weeks and includes preparatory rites such as Ede-Mmuo (masquerade preparations) and Ogwu Oghugha (ritualistic cleansing), all aimed at spiritual purification and communal harmony.
Obu Austin Ndigwe urged all sons and daughters of Awka, youth groups, village unions, and stakeholders to begin preparations in earnest while maintaining the highest level of discipline and peace. He recalled the success of recent editions, particularly the well-coordinated 2025 festival, which received commendation from the Anambra State Government for the orderly conduct of participants.
“Egwu Imoka is our heritage. Let us approach 2026 with the same spirit of unity and responsibility that has made past celebrations memorable. I call on all to avoid any form of indiscipline and to work hand-in-hand with the traditional institution for a festival that will bring honour to Awka Kingdom,” the traditional ruler stressed.
The monarch also extended an open invitation to friends, in-laws, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond to join Ndi Awka in 2026 for what promises to be a spectacular showcase of Igbo culture at its finest.
As preparations gather momentum, the announcement has already generated excitement among Awka indigenes, with many expressing readiness to contribute their quota towards a successful and spiritually enriching 2026 Egwu Imoka festival.
