Concerned sons and daughters of the Awka Ancient Kingdom in Anambra State, alongside supporters of Igbo cultural heritage, have strongly criticized the Anambra State Government for allegedly undermining a chieftaincy title conferred on Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
The group condemned what it described as the government’s unwarranted interference in the conferment of the prestigious title “Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora” (The Light of the Community) on the widow of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the iconic Igbo leader popularly known as the Ikemba Nnewi.
The chieftaincy was bestowed on the minister by His Imperial Majesty, Obi Dr. Austin Chukwuezugo Ndigwe, MON, JP, Ezeuzu III of Awka, late last year, in recognition of her contributions to the Igbo nation and Nigeria at large. The ceremony was attended by prominent members of the community and included traditional rituals reflecting Awka customs.
The controversy began when the Anambra State Government disclaimed the chieftaincy conferment, branding it as “fake” on the grounds that the traditional ruler who awarded the title was allegedly an impostor.
This action sparked immediate backlash from the people of Awka, who described the government’s position as an unacceptable overreach into matters traditionally reserved for their community. They argued that the state’s interference undermined the sovereignty of Igbo traditional institutions and set a dangerous precedent for the erosion of cultural autonomy.
In a statement signed by Professor Emmanuel Obi, representing the sons and daughters of Awka, the group expressed solidarity with His Imperial Majesty, Ezeuzu III, and defended the validity of the chieftaincy title conferred on Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
“First and foremost, the traditions, customs, and cultural practices of Awka are not subject to the whims of state bureaucracy or political expediency. These are sacred elements of our identity, passed down through generations, and they remain the sole domain of the indigenous sons and daughters of Awka,” the statement read.
According to the statement, Obi Dr. Austin Ndigwe was unanimously elected and crowned as Ezeuzu III by the Oha Awka (Council of Elders), the Ndichie (titled men), and the broader community through a process that respected ancestral laws.
“Any attempt by the state government to label this leadership as ‘unrecognized’ or ‘fake’ is an insult to our autonomy and a dangerous precedent that erodes the foundations of Igbo traditional governance,” the group added.
The chieftaincy title “Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora” recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the community and the wider society. Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, through her work in diplomacy and public service, was deemed a deserving recipient.
“The conferment of the title on Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, a distinguished daughter of Igboland, widow of the eternal Ikemba Ndigbo, and a symbol of grace, resilience, and service, was a fitting recognition of her contributions to our community and the wider Nigerian society,” the statement said.
The community highlighted that the minister’s service elevates the profile of Anambra and Igboland nationally and internationally, and discrediting her recognition undermines not only her contributions but also the authority of Awka’s traditional institutions.
Traditional rulership in Igboland predates colonial rule and operates independently of modern political structures. The people of Awka stressed that the state government’s role is to support, not interfere in matters of cultural significance.
“Traditional rulership in Igboland is not a creation of colonial-era statutes or modern political appointments. Historical precedents show that government interference only sows division and weakens community cohesion,” the statement added.
This perspective highlights a long-standing tension in Nigeria, where state authorities sometimes clash with traditional institutions over recognition and legitimacy. The Awka community insists that cultural authority must remain within the people, not political offices.
The Awka community has called on Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo and his administration to retract statements or actions discrediting the chieftaincy title. They insisted that the unanimous crowning of Ezeuzu III and the conferment of the title on Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu are legitimate and binding, reflecting the collective will of the people.
“We call upon Governor Soludo and his administration to immediately retract any statements or actions discrediting this title and to respect the decisions of the Awka people. Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu’s title remains valid, honoured, and celebrated by those who truly understand and value our traditions,” the statement concluded.
For Awka, the defense of the chieftaincy title is not just about honoring a prominent individual; it is also about asserting the independence of their traditional governance system and protecting the integrity of ancestral customs.
The statement by Prof. Obi highlighted that the community’s unity and collective authority underpin the legitimacy of their traditional institutions. It reaffirmed that no political office or modern bureaucratic process can override the decisions of the Awka people regarding their cultural and traditional leaders.
The Awka sons and daughters, along with Igbo cultural supporters, have vowed to uphold the chieftaincy title and defend the autonomy of their institutions, ensuring that the legacy of leaders like Ezeuzu III and Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu is respected.