“MY DAUGHTER, MY DAUGHTER” — GRIEF, SHOCK AS NURSING STUDENT FOUND DEAD IN ALOR SPARKS OUTCRY AND POLICE PROBE

 By Emeka Chiaghanam

The community of Amawbia is preparing for a major traditional event this Friday as it crowns a new ruler, HRH Igwe Uchenna Sunday Okonkwo, who will be formally presented as the Okpaligwe.

The coronation ceremony is scheduled to take place on 9 May 2026 at Eziokpaligwe Square, starting at 12 noon. The event is expected to attract traditional leaders, government officials and guests from across Anambra State and beyond.

Organised by the Amawbia Town Union, the ceremony marks the final stage of a series of traditional rites and consultations leading to the emergence of the new monarch. The title of Okpaligwe is the recognised traditional stool of Amawbia, a town known for its strong cultural heritage.

The Special Guest of Honour at the event will be Prof. Charles Soludo (MFR), the Executive Governor of Anambra State. Other dignitaries expected include Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Pius Okoye (Ozo Mkpulobi Amawbia), Deputy Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Senator Victor Umeh, and Hon. Lilian Oby Orogbu, alongside Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Nwosu Okeke,         

D.G. Standard Organisation of Nigeria; Nze Willie Nwokoye, former Principal Secretary, Anambra State (Ibobo Amawbia); Hon. Prof. Lilian Oby Orogbu, Federal House of Representatives Member representing Awka North and South; Chief Dr. Sir Victor Ike Oye, former APGA National Chairman (Ozo Mkpu Amawbia); Comrade Sunday Anere; and the M.D. Ocha Brigade, Anambra State (Enyi Amawbia), among several prominent figures.

Community leaders say the ceremony will showcase the rich traditions of the people, with cultural displays, masquerade performances and traditional dances forming part of the celebration. Preparations, including security and logistics, are already in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful event.

The President-General of the community, Nze Chukwukadibia Odumodu, said the coronation is an important moment for the town. According to him, it will not only reaffirm the cultural identity of Amawbia but also promote unity and progress.

Residents have expressed hope that the new Okpaligwe will play a key role in strengthening peace, preserving customs and working with government authorities to support development in the area.    

The event is also being supported by notable sons of the community, including Nnameka Anyaora Maduka, and other leaders who have contributed to its organisation.             

As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Amawbia this Saturday when Igwe Uchenna Sunday Okonkwo is officially crowned and presented to his people, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the town’s traditional leadership.