Anambra's Ndiowu Community Crowns New Igwe After 12-Year Kingship Dispute
The Ndiowu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State has finally crowned a new traditional ruler, bringing an end to a protracted kingship controversy that lasted for twelve years. Chief Benjamin Chibuzor Okeke-Ifi was officially installed as Igwe Ezediohamma of Ndiowu in a historic coronation ceremony witnessed by townspeople and stakeholders.
Resolution of a Longstanding Vacancy
Chief Okeke-Ifi was elected as the Igwe of Ndiowu on January 12, 2026, following an election held at the Central School Field. He polled 506 votes to defeat other contestants, filling a vacancy that had persisted for over a decade. While his election was celebrated by many supporters, it also sparked controversy and protests from some community members who viewed it as an imposition.
Governor Charles Soludo presented the certificate of recognition to the Igwe-elect on February 20, 2026, at the ANSEC chamber in Awka. This official recognition paved the way for the coronation ceremony, which took place on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Coronation Ceremony and Monarch's Vision
The coronation event was marked by traditional rituals performed by kingmakers in the presence of townspeople. Speaking after his crowning, Igwe Okeke-Ifi expressed gratitude to the Ndiowu people for their confidence in him. He pledged to unite every part of the community and ensure all members feel a sense of belonging during his reign.
"I promised Governor Charles Soludo, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Affairs, Collins Nwabunwanne, and the Mayor of Orumba North LGA, Hon. Casmir Nwafor, that after my coronation, I will unite people of my community. I will make sure there is no more division among my people," the new monarch stated.
Igwe Okeke-Ifi outlined his development plans, which include expanding his scholarship program that currently supports about 50 university undergraduates. He emphasized his commitment to building human capital and addressing infrastructural development gaps that emerged during the years without a monarch.
Stakeholders React to the New Era
Various stakeholders have expressed their reactions to the coronation, with many emphasizing the need for peace and unity. Anglican Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Most Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, commended the community for coming together to crown a king after many years without a traditional ruler. He advised Igwe Okeke-Ifi to seek divine wisdom, similar to King Solomon, to lead the people according to God's will.
Igwe Prof. Laz Ekwueme, the traditional ruler of Oko community in Orumba North LGA, praised the people of Ndiowu for their unity in crowning a new traditional ruler. The 91-year-old monarch urged Igwe Okeke-Ifi to prioritize peace-making among his people and encouraged community members to pray for their traditional ruler's success.
Mazi Chibuzor Jonathan Okoli, chairman of Agbata village in Ndiowu, described the new Igwe as "a God-sent" leader. He expressed happiness that crisis had given way to reconciliation and peace, ultimately leading to the coronation after approximately twelve years without a king.
"Ndiowu must be one community where peace and unity prevail, as it is in other communities. I believe the new traditional ruler will do well. I know him very well. He has the character that can bring peace to Ndiowu, not one that brings problems," Mazi Okoli stated.
Community Celebration and Reconciliation Efforts
The coronation ceremony featured masquerade displays, cultural performances, music, and various side attractions. Sir (Dr) Joseph Chimezie Onuorah, another major stakeholder in the community, expressed relief that the twelve-year period without a father figure in Ndiowu had finally ended.
"For many years, our community has been starved of a father figure. Today, Igwe Okeke-Ifi is crowned Igwe Ezediohamma of Ndiowu, and our people are happy," Onuorah remarked during the ceremony.
He thanked Governor Soludo, Commissioner Collins Nwabunwanne, and Mayor Casmir Nwafor for their roles in facilitating the coronation. Onuorah expressed confidence that if Ndiowu embraces unity, no town in Anambra State can surpass it in terms of infrastructural and human capital development.
A significant development during the event was the constitution of a reconciliation committee by the new monarch. This committee is tasked with restoring lasting peace and brotherhood to the town, addressing divisions that emerged during the kingship controversy.
The coronation of Igwe Okeke-Ifi marks a new chapter for Ndiowu community, with stakeholders expressing optimism about peace, reconciliation, and development under the newly crowned traditional ruler's leadership.
