New Monarch Occupies Abia 43-yr-old Vacant Throne

Forty-three years after the throne became vacant, Eze-elect Augustine Enyinna Ogbulu has been crowned as Onyenweala VII of Akwete Ndoki ancient kingdom, Ukwa East local government, Abia State.

The new monarch, who succeeded Onyenweala VI, Eze Truman Wabara Akpara, was crowned by the regent chief of the kingdom, Gabriel Agbara last weekend at the kingdom’s square.

The Economics graduate of the University of Port Harcourt, River State, was the Mbichiriezi of Opiah and had been nominated for the throne in 2000 in line with the kingdom’s tradition.

Until his retirement in 2022, he was the supervisor of the human resources and administration department for the eastern zone of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

Speaking in post-coronation remarks, the palace secretary, Ogbonna Chijiuche, noted with delight and thanked God for the successful and peaceful conduct of the occasion.

He expressed appreciation to the state government, through the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, for approving the coronation after such a long period.

The woman leader of the kingdom, Ezihe Owowo described the new Onyenweala as a man of great repute, pledging the support of both the women and the youths to the monarch.

Other high points of the event were cultural displays by different groups, the playing of ikoro drums, which signified a new dawn, and the presence of the Mbichiriezis, chiefs, and prominent sons and daughters.