By Regina Igwebuike
Eziokpaligwe Town Square and neighborhood were agog and the acceptance was massive on May 9, 2026 as the community crowned HRM, Igwe Uche Sunday Okonkwo, popularly known as Kpajie as the Okpaligwe Amawbia amid jubilation.
Speeches after speeches rent the air as Ndu Amawbia, friends and well-wishers unanimously passed a vote of confidence and validation that the new Okpaligwe would redeem Amawbia, bringing the change and development the community is yearning for.
Igwe Okonkwo expressed deep gratitude to God and the people of Amawbia for entrusting him with the crown as the traditional ruler of the community. He acknowledged the dedication and perseverance of Amawbia citizens who worked tirelessly for the emergence of a recognized traditional leadership and assured them that their efforts would not be in vain. He also appreciated the support of the Prof. Chukwuma Soludo administration and government officials whose actions helped secure the town’s place in the Anambra Traditional Rulers Council.
The new traditional ruler emphasized that his reign would focus on unity, peace, cultural preservation, and development. He described Amawbia as a central and important community within the capital territory and pledged to use his throne as a rallying point for understanding and good neighborliness among surrounding communities.
He promised to uphold the customs and traditions of the town, protect lives and property, strengthen the town’s identity, and lead with wisdom, humility, and service rather than domination. He also highlighted the importance of ancestral heritage and spiritual guidance in achieving prosperity for the people.
A major focus of his speech was economic growth, youth empowerment, and community revival. He promised open and inclusive leadership that would engage elders, youths, and Ndu Amawbia in the Diaspora. He expressed a vision of restoring Amawbia’s former glory, inspiring prosperity among young people, and building a stronger and more united community.
He further pledged to establish a progressive traditional cabinet that would challenge outdated norms and usher in a “new dawn” for Amawbia, ending with prayers for divine guidance, peace, and safe return for all attendees.
The immediate past National All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Party Chairman, Ozonkpu Dr. Victor Oye, has congratulated HRM Igwe Okonkwo, Okpaligwe Amawbia, on his historic coronation. He described the occasion as a proud moment for Amawbia and a reaffirmation of the town’s rich cultural heritage, expressing confidence that the new monarch’s reign will usher in greater unity, peace, and progress for the community.
Lending his voice, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Pius Okoye, Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, said the coronation of the new traditional ruler signals a new era of peace and unity for Amawbia. “Wherever there is a traditional ruler, there is peace and harmony. Amawbia is now moving in one direction,” he said, adding that his top charge to the monarch is to foster peace, love, and unity so that everyone is on the same page. He described the new Igwe as a man of integrity capable of delivering on that mandate.
The President General of Amawbia Town, Nze Chukwukadibia Odumodu (Nze Akalanze), sincerely thanked everyone who contributed in one way or another to the successful coronation of Okpaligwe Amawbia, Igwe Okonkwo. According to him, Now that we have a substantive Okpaligwe on the throne, may our land be healed of hatred, wickedness, and every form of evil, including the “PHD” syndrome that weakened our unity and nearly tore us apart.
“Let us put the past and our differences behind us and embrace peace and love for the sake of our town. Let us rekindle the true spirit of “Amawbia onye egbukwene ibie”, come together as one, and chart a new course to make Amawbia great again. I have sheathed my sword, and I urge all of us to do the same,” PG pleaded.
Delivering a vote of thanks, Hon. Sir Joseph Igwebuike, Chairman of the coronation committee, expressed joy over the successful ceremony. He thanked God for the clement weather and all who contributed resources to make the event a resounding success. He prayed that the newly crowned Okpaligwe would lead with fairness and courage to restore order and transform Amawbia.
Age grades, women groups, friends, and well-wishers paid homage to the Okpaligwe, presenting him with various gifts. The event also featured performances by the Ijele and Isiabaovhia dance troupes.
Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
