By Amaka Okafor
The Obegu community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has crowned a new traditional ruler, Chief Ephraim Okwor, bringing to an end over 12-year vacancy following the death of their last generally accepted monarch, late Eze James Ominyi.
The coronation ceremony, held on Saturday at Union Comprehensive secondary school field Obeagu amidst jubilation and cultural displays, marked a historic moment for the community which had long awaited the emergence of a generally accepted new traditional leader to guide its affairs and restore full traditional authority.
Representing the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Mr Uchenna Igwe at the event, the Special Assistant to the state Governor on Chieftaincy Matters Mr Chukwuma Ujebe who supervised the selection/ coronation emphasized the importance of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and supporting government efforts at the grassroots level.
He urged the newly installed monarch to lead with wisdom, fairness, and a deep sense of responsibility, noting that the prolonged vacancy had made the moment even more significant for the people of Obeagu.
In his acceptance speech, Ezeogo Ephraim Okwor the Chibudo 1 of Obeagu Mgbalekeogu autonomous community expressed gratitude to the community for entrusting him with the revered position, pledging to unite the people and promote sustainable development.
“This is a call to service. After many years without a traditional ruler, I will work with all stakeholders to ensure peace, unity, and progress in Obegu,” he said.
Stakeholders Deacon Nwachukwu Johnson , Ishielu North Development center coordinator Barr Emeka Odanwu ,Rev Fr Hilary Mbah, Bar Mrs Adola Awam ,Obegu women leader Mrs Justina Ekpe, Obegu Youth leader Aguigbo Ifeanyichukwu among others, described the coronation as a turning point, expressing confidence that Okwor’s reign would usher in stability, rapid development and renewed cultural pride after nearly two decades of leadership gap.
They expressed optimism that the emergence of a new monarch would strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms and enhance collaboration with government authorities for the overall development of the community.
The Obeagu Town Union President Jeremiah Orinya called on government for more life touching social amenities as well as security of lives and properties in the community.
The ceremony featured selection process, coronation, traditional rites, music, performance by different dance groups, masquerade displays, as well as goodwill messages from neighboring communities and peoples from all works of life, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the people.
Recall that before the selection and coronation , Ezeogo Ephraim Okwor Chibudo 1 of Obeagu Mgbalekeogu autonomous community was a staff of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki and holds among many others a Diploma certificate in Salesmanship from the National School of Salesmanship Manchester England and got many accolades both within and outside Nigeria.
