The traditional ruler of Onicha autonomous Community of Ebonyi State, Eze Ferdinand Okoronkwo Nwujor, has warned recipients of his traditional chieftaincy titles to continue upholding the virtues that earned them the titles or risk its revocation.
The revered monarch over the weekend celebrated the grand finale of events marking his one year anniversary on the throne.
He spoke at the event at Onicha-Igboeze Kingdom, where he bestowed chieftaincy titles on some individuals from within and outside the community and state.
The well attended ceremony, testifying of the royal father’s popularity and wide acceptance by his subjects, was held at Onicha Central School, Onicha Local Government Area.
Among those honoured with chieftaincy titles were the representative of Ebonyi South Senatorial District, Senator Anthony Ani, who was bestowed with the title of Chinyelugo 1 of Onicha-Igboeze; representative of Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency, Hon. Nkemkanma Kama; Ebonyi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Uchenna Igwe; and his Inter-Party Affairs counterpart, Chief Ogbonnaya Okorie.
Others included two former Chairmen of Onicha LGA, Chief Chidiebere Uzo and Chief Felix Igboke; Chief Patrick Njoku; Moses Nwaze; Comrade Tochukwu Okorie; and Commander, Special Constabulary, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Command, Friday Nnanna Ujo.
In his address, the royal father appreciated his people and subjects for their unalloyed solidarity and support, which he said has continued to make his reign worthwhile.
He congratulated the recipients for scaling through the people’s scrutiny to clinch their different titles, and warned them against behaviours contrary to their honorary social status.
He emphasised: “I want to congratulate the receivers of our chieftaincy titles today.
“Let me at this juncture warn that you are nominated today by the people because of your good deeds to humanity.
“We are watching you, and your people are also watching.
“Anytime you turn away from those values which has earned you this honour we will not hesitate to strip you off the title.”
Addressing newsmen on behalf of the event’s central planning committee chairman, Chief Ndubuisi Eze, the Publicity Sub-committee Chairman, Chief Ogbonnaya Odabe, described the royal father as a man of charisma, integrity, and excellence, whose reign in the community has made great developmental impacts.
He attributed the monarch’s character to his background as a teacher, principal, and community leader, describing him further as well endeared to the people.
Odabe said: “His reign has brought remarkable improvement in Onicha, particularly in peace and security, and that’s the reason the people resolved to celebrate his one year in office as their traditional ruler.”
He explained that the chieftaincy titles were conferred not based on riches and wealth or political considerations, but strictly on merit, emphasising that the recipients were chosen based on their contributions to community development and impact on humanity, especially the less privileged in society.
Other community members who added their voices, including the President-General of Onicha-Igboeze, Eze Ogbonnaya Eze, expressed pride in the monarch’s leadership attributes, pledging their continued support and collaboration to the royal father in promoting peaceful coexistence and advancing peace, happiness and security in the community.
Some of the title recipients who spoke to newsmen, including the representative of Senator Ani, Elder Ben Okike; Hon Ogbonnaya Okorie; Chief Chidiebere Uzor; and Friday Nnanna Ujo, expressed gratitude for the recognition, pledging to uphold the attributes for which they were found worthy.
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They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting developmental strides in the community.
Okorie who said he was deeply encouraged by the honour.
He however emphasised that his humanitarian gestures were never done for reward or recognition but as a sacred duty to humanity.
He said: “I never knew the Eze-in-Council was monitoring these things.
“I felt reluctant initially because I don’t believe in publicity: whatever I do for my people is my own way of thanking God.
“But I appreciate this honour for it will spur me to do more for my people.”
The event witnessed diverse colourful cultural displays, music, and dances by the people.
His Royal Highness Eze Ferdinand Okoronkwo Nwujor was elected in April 2024 as the Enyi II of Onicha autonomous Community following the demise of his predecessor, Eze Agwu Nwukpa, who was the Enyi I.
