Enugu: Obeagu community installs monarch after eight years

Eight years after, the people of Obeagu community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State have finally crowned a traditional ruler.

The new monarch, Chief Sylvester Emeka Ojukwu was crowned after he was elected by the members of the community across all ages.

It was learnt that the community has been without a traditional ruler for the past eight years following the demise of Igwe Donatus Ikemefuna.

At a colourful event that attracted many sons and daughters of the community, the people rolled out their drums at the Community Secondary School Obeagu.

The elders in council, title holders (Aka ji Ofor) village heads, religious leaders, the women and youths, as well as representatives of various associations of Obeagu indigenes outside Enugu, gathered for the epoch event.

Despite being the only candidate for the election, Igwe Sylvester Ojukwu polled 720 votes in an option A4 system in line with the guidelines of the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters, to emerge winner.

Speaking after the coronation, the President-General of Obeagu community, Chief Calistus Ojiogbu described the event as a new dawn for the people, noting that many development projects have eroded the community due to absence of a traditional ruler.

Ojiogbu called on the people of the area to give maximum support to the new traditional ruler to succeed, while urging the royal father to carry the entire community along in the discharge of his duties.

“Today is a remarkable day in Obeagu. This community is going to become a new paradise because we are moving from the old order to a new order where everybody is thinking about the progress and unity of our town.

“So, expectations are that people are going to witness great changes. You have seen how people are very enthusiastic about it, they gave maximum support and that is how they will be giving the Igwe support.

“We are going to support him with everything we have to make sure he succeeds”, he said.

Also speaking, the woman leader of the community, Mrs Janet Anike and the youth leader, Mr Ogbonna Francis, as well as Engr. Chinedu Ani described the emergence of Igwe Sylvester Ojukwu as the reflection of the people’s choice and advised him to champion the course of the community.

They appealed to members of the community to accord the new traditional ruler the necessary support to move the area to an enviable height.

Addressing the people, the traditional ruler, Igwe Sylvester Emeka Ojukwu thanked the people for the opportunity to serve and promised to rule with the fear of God.

“I am delighted today for the opportunity given to me by my people. I am here to serve and not to be served.

“Obeagu is one united community and I will strive to sustain that unity. Those that may have one reason or the other to be angry, this is the time to come together and work for the progress of the town,” he advised.

Highlights of the event were the appointment of Chief Calistus Ojiogbu as the President-General of the Obeagu community and the presentation of certificate to the new traditional ruler by the community.

Six out of the seven villages that make up the Obeagu community participated in the event