The people of Awka have reaffirmed the legitimacy of the recent crowning of His Imperial Majesty Obi Dr. Austin Ndigwe as Ezeuzu III, warning the Anambra State Government against attempts to discredit the traditional institution.
In a statement released yesterday, leaders of the Awka community, including the Oha Awka (Council of Elders) and the Ndichie (titled men), described the selection of Obi Dr. Ndigwe as a product of “deep consultations, rituals, and affirmations that honour our heritage.”
“Elements of our identity, passed down through generations, remain the sole domain of the indigenous sons and daughters of Awka. It is we who hold the authority to select, crown, and affirm our leaders in accordance with our ancestral laws,” the statement read.
The traditional rulers also defended the conferment of the title Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora on Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, widow of the late Ikemba Ndigbo, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
They described the event as a fitting recognition of her contributions to the community and the nation, noting that as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, she has elevated the profile of Anambra and Igboland both nationally and internationally.
The Awka chiefs criticised the state government for labeling the traditional leadership as “unrecognized” or “fake,” calling such remarks “an insult to our autonomy” and a threat to Igbo traditional governance.
They insisted that rulership in Igboland predates colonial statutes and modern political appointments and operates independently of government ratifications.
“We call upon Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo and his administration to immediately retract any statements or actions discrediting this title and to respect the decisions of the Awka people.
The unanimous crowning of Ezeuzu III stands as a testament to our unity, and no external force can undo it,” the statement added.
The ceremony, witnessed by multitudes in Awka, according to community leaders, reaffirmed the cultural legitimacy of the titles and underscored the community’s commitment to preserving its traditions and heritage.
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