Anambra State Government recognizes more traditional rulers
By Emeka Chiaghanam
The Anambra State Government has presented certificates of recognition to six traditional rulers, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the traditional institution as a cornerstone of peacebuilding, grassroots governance and socio-economic development.
The ceremony, held on Friday at the Light House in Awka, was chaired by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who described traditional rulers as indispensable partners in governance and community development. He charged the monarchs to see their recognition as a call to deeper service rather than a ceremonial honour.
Governor Soludo said the traditional institution occupies a unique position in Anambra’s socio-cultural architecture, serving as the closest layer of leadership to the people. According to him, monarchs are not only custodians of culture and custom, but also local mediators and bridges between the government and grassroots communities.
He noted that sustainable development and lasting peace cannot be achieved without the active involvement of traditional rulers, stressing that the state expects them to foster unity, manage conflicts proactively and help deepen trust between the people and the government.
“The recognition we are giving today is part of our deliberate effort to reposition the traditional institution as a partner in governance, peacebuilding and inclusive development,” the governor said.
One of the beneficiaries, HRH Hon Justice Samuel Nwachukwu Okoye (Rtd), Ezechukwuchiba I of Azigbo in Nnewi South Local Government Area, said he was filled with joy, happiness and gratitude to God for the occasion.
He expressed deep appreciation to Governor Soludo, whom he described as “the Solution Governor,” and to the people of Azigbo for their steadfast support and trust.
“The people of Azigbo are wonderful people — people of peace and progress,” he said.
Justice Okoye said his community’s expectations were clear and non-negotiable: good leadership rooted in peace, care for the people and deliberate efforts to promote development and welfare.
He pledged not to disappoint his people and prayed that their collective hopes and aspirations would be fulfilled.
Another traditional ruler, HRH Sir Ben Chibuzor Okekefi, Igwe Ezedioranma of Ndiowu in Orumba North Local Government Area, also described the day as a defining moment in his life and in the history of his community.
He said nothing mattered more to him than the progress of Ndiowu, particularly the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the resolution of conflicts that had challenged the community in the past.
According to him, Ndiowu had experienced serious disputes over the years, but through collective effort, dialogue and what he described as divine intervention, peace had been restored.
“We are receiving this certification from the government, and we are going back home to Ndiowu to continue the work of bringing our people together,” he said.
Igwe Okekefi stressed that the era of political contestation was over, noting that leaders must now focus on reconciliation, healing and development.
“Ndiowu will be a peaceful place — a community we, our children and future generations can all be proud of,” he said, adding that existing traditional guidelines would be reviewed to ensure greater inclusiveness and harmony.
He also commended Governor Soludo for what he described as his serious intentionality in governance, pointing to infrastructure development as clear evidence.
Referring specifically to the road through Ekwulobia, Igwe Okekefi said he could hardly believe he was driving through a town in Anambra State, describing the project as a source of pride for Ndi Anambra.
He praised ongoing projects across different parts of the state and singled out the state secretariat complex, which he said was unprecedented in his lifetime. While thanking the governor for the work done so far, he expressed confidence that more development projects were still in the pipeline.
On his part, HRH Igwe Uche Sunday Okonkwo, Okpalaigwe of Amawbia in Awka South Local Government Area, described the occasion as the greatest day of his life.
Speaking after receiving his certificate, Igwe Okonkwo expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo and the people of Amawbia for the confidence reposed in him, noting that the recognition had further strengthened his resolve to serve his community diligently.
“My people elected me because they know what I can do,” he said, adding that his immediate priority would be to promote peace and unity as the foundation for progress in Amawbia.
He said youth development would occupy a central place in his reign, revealing plans to roll out skill acquisition programmes tailored to the needs of young people in the community.
“The first thing is to ensure that our youths have something meaningful to do and a way to earn a living,” he said, stressing that empowering young people was critical to reducing social vices and driving development.
Igwe Okonkwo also offered prayers for the governor, asking God to grant him strength and wisdom as he continues to steer the affairs of the state, and to enable him to do even more for Anambra and its people.
Other traditional rulers who received certificates of recognition at the ceremony include Igwe Benson Chinedu Madubuko, Eze Chinendo I of Adazi-Ani in Anaocha Local Government Area; HRH Igwe Ejike Ugoagbala, Ezenri XXXII of Ora-Eri in Agata Local Government Area; and HRM Igwe Clement Nchetaka Onwuka, Eze-Ohazuru-Mee I of Isulo in Orumba South Local Government Area.
The Anambra State Government said the recognition exercise is part of a broader strategy to deepen collaboration with traditional institutions, harness local leadership for peacebuilding and accelerate sustainable development across communities in the state.
