Ebonyi: Residents Jubilate As Ohaukwu Community Installs Traditional Ruler After 12 Years

Residents of Umuezeaka Ngbo Autonomous Community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have erupted in jubilation following the installation of their new traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Eze Godwin Eje.

The historic exercise, which ended a 12-year leadership vacuum, was conducted on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at His Grace Foundation School, Obodo Eje.

It was supervised by officials of the Ebonyi State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters as well as stakeholders of the community and Council Chairman, Hon. Ikechukwu Odono.

Addresses the people, Eze Eje expressed gratitude to the community for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to provide sincere and purposeful leadership. He also commended fellow contestants and stakeholders for their maturity and solidarity, promising not to take their support for granted. Town Union President of the community, Comrade Adagba Emmanuel, described the election as peaceful and transparent. He credited Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration for creating the enabling atmosphere that allowed the people to elect their king without rancour.

“Our community is made up of six kindreds, and every one of them wanted to produce the Eze. But today, we thank God that our people followed the right step in electing their ruler peacefully. Nobody should see it as a loss to any kindred,” Emmanuel said.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Chukwuma Ujebe, urged the people to rally behind the new monarch in order to maximize the benefits of rural development programmes across the state. Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hon. Peter Edeh, commended the community for their cooperation and urged other towns in Ebonyi to emulate Umuezeaka by embracing peace and unity.

Other contestants, including Chief Ekpe Solomon, Chief John Eje, and Chief Ojaja Ezekiel, congratulated the newly elected ruler and promised their unalloyed support for his reign. The event was rounded off with the official crowning of His Royal Highness, Eze Godwin Eje, amid celebration by indigenes and well-wishers.