By Emeka Chiaghanam
A long season of division finally gives
way to peace, celebration and renewed hope
For the first time in five difficult years, songs of joy
rather than arguments echoed through the heart of Amawbia community in Awka
South Local Government Area of Anambra State as sons, daughters and friends of
the town gathered to witness the coronation of a new traditional ruler.
The atmosphere at the Amawbia Civic Centre was filled with
excitement, relief and cultural pride as Uchenna Sunday Okonkwo officially
ascended the throne as the new Igwe of the community, taking the revered title
of Okpaligwe II.
For many residents, the moment was far bigger than a royal
ceremony. It marked the close of a painful chapter that had left the town
divided since the passing of the former monarch, Igwe Michael Okoye, known as
Okpaligwe I.
End of a painful struggle
The road to the throne was far from smooth.
After the death of the late traditional ruler several years
ago, disagreements over succession threw the community into a prolonged
leadership crisis. Court cases, rival interests and internal disputes slowed
down efforts to choose a new king, while tension quietly grew among different
groups within the town.
What should have been a straightforward transition gradually
turned into a five-year struggle that tested relationships and unity across the
community.
The crisis eventually began to ease late last year when an
election was conducted to choose a new monarch. Okonkwo emerged victorious
after defeating several other contestants in the keenly contested exercise.
His victory was later strengthened when the Governor of Anambra
State, Chukwuma Soludo, presented him with a certificate of recognition, officially
confirming him as the traditional ruler of Amawbia.
Saturday’s coronation therefore became the final seal on a
journey that many feared might never end peacefully.
Ancient traditions return to centre
stage
The colourful event reflected the deep cultural roots of the
community.
One of the most symbolic moments came when the sacred crown
was placed on the new monarch by Ezeana Ibekwe of Umukabia village, in keeping
with long-standing Amawbia tradition.
Another emotional highlight followed shortly after when the
sacred “Ofo Amawbia” — the ancient symbol of truth, justice, authority and
peace — was handed over to the new king by Akajiofo, Nze Dr U.S.A. Aghanya,
representing the respected Ezeoye family of Ezimezi village.
The ceremony also featured traditional rites performed by
members of the Ozo society led by Onyeisi Ozo Emmanuel Okoye, as elders and
title holders carried out customs passed down through generations.
Cultural music, dancing and prayers blended throughout the
gathering as the six villages that make up Amawbia came together in what many
described as one of the town’s most important moments in recent history.
“The throne must stand for justice”
Speaking during the ceremony, Akajiofo Dr Ikenna Nkem
Aghanya explained the spiritual and moral importance of handing over the Ofo to
the new ruler.
According to him, the sacred staff represents fairness,
honesty, equity and peace, values which every traditional ruler must uphold.
He stressed that the transfer of the Ofo was not merely
ceremonial, but a public declaration that the community had accepted the
authority of the new monarch.
Aghanya said both the giver and the receiver of the sacred
symbol must stand for truth and clean leadership, noting that the community
expected the new Igwe to govern with wisdom, fairness and fear of God.
He called on everyone in Amawbia to put past disagreements
behind them and support the new ruler for the progress of the town.
Influential voices rally behind new
king
Several respected personalities from within and outside the
community attended the event, including traditional rulers, political leaders,
academics and community stakeholders.
Among them was former national chairman of the All Progressives
Grand Alliance, Victor Oye, who praised the new monarch for his understanding
of Igbo customs and traditions.
He expressed confidence that the new king possessed the
vision and leadership needed to move Amawbia forward.
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Josephine Anenih, also
described the coronation as an important moment for the community.
She said the neutrality expected from a traditional ruler
would help strengthen unity among the people and encourage development across
the town.
Hope rises at home and abroad
For many indigenes living overseas, the coronation carried
emotional significance.
A retired educationist and linguist based in Houston, Texas,
Professor Christie Okoye, said she believed the installation of the new monarch
could finally heal long-standing divisions within the community.
According to her, peace and stability were necessary for
Amawbia to regain its strength and continue developing both socially and
economically.
She added that many people in the diaspora had been hoping
for reconciliation and progress back home.
That hope was also shared by members of the Amawbia women’s
organisations and town union groups abroad who attended or followed the
ceremony from overseas.
Hausa community pledges support
The event equally reflected the relationship between Amawbia
and non-indigenes living in the area.
Chairman of the Hausa community in Amawbia, Alhaji Sani
Mahmud, congratulated the new monarch and promised continued cooperation from
Hausa residents in the town.
He commended the peaceful coexistence that has existed
between his people and the host community over the years.
Mahmud also appealed to young people in the area to remain
peaceful, respectful and supportive of the new traditional leadership.
Describing Amawbia as one of the safest communities in the
South-East, he said unity among residents must continue to be protected.
Community leader recalls difficult
years
Earlier in his address, President-General of Amawbia Town
Union, Chief Chukwudi Odumodu, reflected on the turbulent years that followed
the death of the late monarch.
He explained that efforts to choose a successor began years
ago but repeatedly ran into obstacles caused by disagreements and legal
disputes.
Odumodu also remembered one of the contestants, Ozo Dan
Maduka, who died before the final election took place.
According to him, despite all the setbacks, the community
remained determined to complete the process peacefully until the eventual
emergence of Okonkwo as the chosen monarch.
“I have come to serve, not to rule”
In his first speech after his coronation, the new
traditional ruler struck a calm and unifying tone.
Igwe Okonkwo thanked the people of Amawbia for standing by
him throughout the difficult journey to the throne.
He also expressed gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and
government officials involved in confirming his recognition as king.
But beyond the celebration, the monarch admitted that he
clearly understood the heavy responsibility before him.
According to him, the throne must become a symbol of peace,
understanding and harmony within Amawbia and neighbouring communities.
He promised to preserve the customs and traditions of the
ancient town while protecting lives, property and the identity of the
community.
The monarch further declared that leadership should be about
service rather than personal power.
Drawing inspiration from the Biblical King David, he said
his reign would focus on compassion, wisdom and unity.
A promise to restore lost glory
The new Igwe also pledged to work closely with elders,
youths and Amawbia indigenes living abroad in order to rebuild the town and
reconnect its people.
He promised to keep his palace open to everyone regardless
of background or political differences.
According to him, the wisdom of elders and the strength of
the youth would be vital in moving the community to greater heights.
He further assured residents that he would work tirelessly
to restore the pride, peace and lost glory of Amawbia.
Calls for unity continue
Speaking after the event, Deputy Speaker of the Anambra
State House of Assembly, Chukwuma Okoye, urged members of the community to
embrace peace and togetherness.
He said the coronation should serve as a fresh beginning for
Amawbia after years of disagreements and tension.
As drums sounded late into the evening and guests exchanged
greetings beneath colourful canopies, many residents quietly reflected on the
deeper meaning of the day.
For Amawbia, the coronation was not only about installing a
king.
It was about healing old wounds, rebuilding trust and giving
an ancient community another chance to move forward together.
Post a Comment