Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has received a significant political and cultural endorsement from the traditional rulers of Nkanu land, who presented him with the sacred Ofo staff, a potent Igbo symbol of authority and justice. The endorsement, seen as a major boost for the governor's political future, occurred on Friday, January 10, 2026, during the 50th coronation anniversary of HRM Igwe Fidelis Ogbu Nwatu, the traditional ruler of Ihuokpara in Nkanu East Local Council and Grand Patron of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council.
A Sacred Mandate from the Ancestors
Reacting to the presentation, which was assisted by the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu, Governor Mbah expressed deep humility. He acknowledged the profound weight of the Ofo, stating it was not merely a symbolic gesture but a sacred trust conferred by his kinsmen and ancestors. "In our culture, what you see me holding in my left hand is beyond symbols because our traditional rulers are the representatives of our ancestors," Mbah said. He interpreted the act as the ancestors speaking through the royal fathers, making it an unparalleled honour.
The governor assured the people of Nkanu land and Enugu State at large that he understood the responsibility attached to the endorsement. "I want to reassure our elders and traditional rulers that I will continue to serve Ndi Enugu with humility and with all the energy that I have and every fiber of my being, making you proud. You will never regret your action," Mbah pledged, vowing to serve with integrity and his full capacity.
Royal Fathers Cite Exceptional Governance
The celebrant, Igwe Nwatu, who spoke on behalf of the other royal fathers, justified their collective decision. He pointed to Governor Mbah's exceptional governance and landmark projects as the reason, remarking that Enugu State had never had it so good. The presentation of the Ofo staff was framed explicitly as an endorsement for the governor to continue his good work, a clear signal of support ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
Beyond the political endorsement, the event was a celebration of Igwe Nwatu's five decades of service. Governor Mbah felicitated the monarch for his 50 years of meritorious stewardship, noting that his longevity on the throne was a sign of divine and ancestral favour. "May God grant you many more years so that we can continue to benefit from your wealth of experience, wisdom, and knowledge," the governor added.
Welfare Promise and Event Highlights
In a related development, Governor Mbah used the occasion to reassure the traditional rulers in the state of a major improvement in their welfare packages, effective from January 2026. This announcement was met with appreciation from the assembled royal fathers.
The golden jubilee celebration featured other significant highlights, including:
- The unveiling of a book titled "Leadership as Service: A Portrait of Stewardship, Justice and Peace" authored by Igwe Nwatu.
- The cutting of a golden jubilee cake by the celebrant, flanked by Governor Mbah and other dignitaries.
The high-profile event attracted a who's who of Nigerian society, including former Senate President Senator Ken Nnamani, Chief Patricia Nwobodo (wife of a former governor of old Anambra State), numerous political leaders, captains of industry, and admirers of the traditional ruler from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
