– Says, I solved Igwe ship tussle in Isuofia, I’ll do it in Awka
The governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has proposed the building of a central palace for successive traditional rulers in Awka Kingdom.
The governor said it is like that in Onitsha and even Ile Ife, where successive monarchs ascend the throne and not live in their private houses. He said he is ready to support Awka people to build it in 12 months.
The governor stated this on Friday when he met member of the Ozo title society in Awka, and also promised to help solve the Igwe ship tussle in the Kingdom, insisting that Chief Austin Ndigwe who is laying claims to the throne was not properly enthroned, and as such, he he keeps parading himself as traditional ruler, he would go to jail.
Below is how the governor summarized the meeting…
Yesterday I met with the Ozo Awka Society led by Ozo Sir Chukwujekwu Eze. We spoke truth, as Ozo men do.
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.
I made a promise: I will live in Awka. Today, you can walk into the Light House — 57 buildings that say Anambra has arrived. We built Solution Fun City because Awka must be a destination, not a junction.
But buildings alone don’t make a 21st-century city. People do. And for too long, Awka has been punching below its weight.
On tradition and law:
The crisis over Eze Uzu has gone on for years. Government has the easy choice: look away. But leadership means doing the uncomfortable thing.
The Commission of Enquiry was clear: Obi Gibson Nwosu was never dethroned. Chief Austine Ndigwe, my friend, was never legally enthroned.
The law is law. If you parade as a second traditional ruler in one community, you go to jail. Period.
This isn’t about personalities. It’s about order. And zoning. Your own constitution says it’s Nkwelle’s turn. Let’s respect it.
On Awka’s future:
I told Ndi Ozo: You are the conscience of this land. If you speak truth, Awka will heal.
I did it in Isuofia after 20 years of crisis. We can do it in Awka.
Let’s build a grand central palace for Eze Uzu Awka — like Onitsha, like Ile Ife. Government will support. Let’s finish it in 12 months.
On Imo Awka Festival:
I know how important it is. But May 23rd, 2026 won’t work. There’s a major statewide event that day and we cannot split security. Let’s agree on one unified date. Government will bring law and order. But only Awka people can bring lasting peace.
My only interest is for Anambra to work. For Awka to regain its lost glory. For our capital to become truly cosmopolitan — clean, smart, proud.
We are very intentional about this.
The duty of leadership is to save people, sometimes from themselves. I will do my part. Awka, do yours.
May Anambra continue to win!
