Nkechinyere Ewa
The Awka Ancient Kingdom has faulted the Anambra State Government over its rejection of a chieftaincy title conferred on the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, describing the government’s action as an affront to Awka tradition and Igbo cultural heritage.
Concerned sons and daughters of Awka, alongside supporters of Igbo culture, rose in defence of the chieftaincy title “Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora” (Light of the Community), bestowed on Bianca Ojukwu by the traditional ruler of Awka, His Imperial Majesty, Obi Dr. Austin Chukwuezugo Ndigwe, MON, JP, Ezeuzu III.
The title was conferred late last year in recognition of Bianca Ojukwu’s contributions to Ndigbo and Nigeria at large, as well as her role as the widow of the late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Ikemba Nnewi.
However, the Anambra State Government later disclaimed the conferment, describing it as “fake” and alleging that the traditional ruler who conferred it was an impostor. This move has since drawn strong reactions from the Awka community.
In a statement issued by Prof. Emmanuel Obi on behalf of Awka sons and daughters, and in solidarity with Obi Dr. Austin Ndigwe, the group described the government’s position as an unwarranted interference in the internal affairs of the Awka people.
The group insisted that Awka traditions, customs and chieftaincy institutions are sacred and beyond the control of state bureaucracy or political interests, stressing that the authority to select and crown traditional rulers rests solely with the indigenous people.
According to the statement, Obi Dr. Austin Ndigwe was unanimously elected and crowned Ezeuzu III by the Oha Awka (Council of Elders), the Ndichie, and the wider Awka community following due consultations and traditional rites.
The group argued that branding the monarch as “unrecognized” or “fake” undermines the autonomy of Awka Kingdom and sets a dangerous precedent capable of eroding Igbo traditional governance.
They further described the chieftaincy title conferred on Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu as well-deserved, noting that she remains a symbol of service, resilience and dignity, while continuing to project Anambra State and Igboland positively on the national and international stage.
The statement maintained that traditional rulership in Igboland predates modern government structures and does not depend on state recognition or certification, urging the Anambra State Government to respect and protect traditional institutions rather than interfere in them.
The Awka community called on Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo and his administration to retract any statements discrediting the chieftaincy title, insisting that the crowning of Ezeuzu III and the conferment of Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora on Bianca Ojukwu remain valid, honoured and celebrated by the Awka people.