Tears of joy flowed freely as the people of Ogugu Ntu-Egbenese Ancient Kingdom in Awgu LGA, Enugu State, witnessed history on Thursday, April 24, 2025. After more than two decades of traditional vacuum following the 1999 passing of their last monarch, the Enugu State Government officially presented a Certificate of Recognition to their newly elected traditional ruler, Igwe Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna Jnr.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, marked a turning point for the 32 communities under the historic Ntu-Egbenese clan. Commissioner Deacon Okey Ogbodo, who made the presentation on behalf of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, described the event as a fulfillment of justice, peace, and community restoration, noting that the monarch’s formal Staff of Office would be conferred on Friday, April 25.
Igwe Ogbonna, a respected sportsman and grassroots mobilizer, emerged victorious in the January 14, 2025, kingship election, defeating his rival Gidim Godwin Egbo with 867 votes to 363. His emergence and recognition were in accordance with the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Law Cap 1(51), enacted in 2004. The Governor’s approval for his recognition officially took effect on March 26, 2025.
Addressing the gathering, Deacon Ogbodo warned the new monarch to uphold integrity, community values, and the Customary Code of Conduct or risk revocation of his certificate and authority. He emphasized that traditional leadership comes with immense responsibilities and must reflect the ideals of service, unity, and respect for the people.
Responding, Igwe Ogbonna expressed deep gratitude to Governor Mbah and the state ministry for restoring dignity to Ogugu. He pledged to attract investments to the community, launch youth-focused development initiatives, and foster reconciliation by reaching out to his opponent and all aggrieved parties. “I have come to serve. Ogugu will rise again. Our youths will be empowered. Peace must reign,” he declared passionately.
The monarch’s inauguration has rekindled hope among indigenes at home and in the diaspora, many of whom had long expressed frustration at the absence of a central traditional authority. With the Ọfọ Ntu-Egbenese also being handed over to him, Igwe Ogbonna now steps into a role considered spiritually and culturally significant across Enugu’s ancestral institutions.
Friday’s Staff of Office ceremony in Ogugu promises to be a grand affair, with political leaders, traditional chiefs, and members of the Ntu-Egbenese clan expected in attendance. Community sources say cultural troupes from all 32 member villages are already mobilized, ready to herald a new era with dance, drums, and thanksgiving for a long-awaited kingship rebirth.
