Awka Monarch tussle: My intervention is to avoid chaos - Soludo

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Governor Soludo with members of Awka Ozo Society

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By Madu Obi

The governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has expressed concern over the long-standing traditional leadership tussle in Awka kingdom, explaining that his intervention in the matter is to restore peace and avoid chaos in the ancient town.

Speaking during a high-level meeting with members of the Awka titled men - Ozo Awka Society - led by Ozo Sir Chukwujekwu Eze, the governor said he was worried about the protracted dispute because Awka holds a special place in his heart and the state’s developmental agenda.

According to Governor Soludo, despite having the easy choice to ignore the chaos, he felt a duty to intervene, especially when the crisis was also affecting the town union leadership.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the claim by Chief Austine Ndigwe, who has been parading himself as Awka Monarch, even when the government - recognized Awka traditional ruler, Obi Gibson Nwosu, is still alive, the governor said he was firm on the rule of law, noting that the state's Commission of Enquiry which he set up, found that Obi Gibson Nwosu was never dethroned, and that Ndigwe was never legally enthroned.

"According to the state traditional rulers law, if you parade as a second traditional ruler in a community, you go to jail," Governor Soludo reminded Ndigwe.

The governor noted that the crisis, which allegedly stemmed from burial rites and zoning disputes, had become egocentric, pointing out that the community's constitution stipulates that it is the turn of Nkwelle village to produce the next ruler according to zoning, lamenting that the process was disregarded.

Soludo challenged the Awka Ozo titleholders, who he noted, are traditionally known for speaking the truth, to show leadership.

Drawing parallels to his success in resolving a 20- year crisis in his hometown of Isuofia, he urged Awka professionals and stakeholders to project the city positively and resolve the issue once and for all.

One way of resolving the crisis, he observed, is for Awka people to build a grand central palace for the Eze Uzu Awka, similar to those in Onitsha or Ile Ife, and pledged that the state government would contribute to its construction and completion within a year.

He also called on the people of Awka to embrace their status as a 21st-century cosmopolitan city, declaring that his administration is very intentional about making the state capital a premier destination.

Soludo highlighted his administration's commitment to infrastructure, noting that he has broken a 34-year "jinx" by constructing a befitting Government House and Lodge in Awka.

"I am the governor that decided to make Awka a true state capital in the real sense of it. When I campaigned, I promised to live in Awka, and today you are within the Light House, which consists of 57 buildings. We built the Solution Fun City because we want Awka to be a destination", the governor stated.

Meanwhile, Soludo has clarified that the annual Traditional Imo Awka festival scheduled for May 23, 2026, cannot hold due to a conflicting statewide event that equally requires security presence.

"My only interest is for the betterment of Anambra and for Awka to regain its lost glory. The duty of leadership is to do the uncomfortable thing, sometimes even to save the people from themselves", he added.

The governor urged the people of Awka to be awake, lamenting that despite its immense potential, the city has been "punching below its weight."

Sir Chukwujekwu Eze, who spoke on behalf of the Awka Ozo Society, assured the governor that they would go home, consult widely and take necessary actions, especially as it relates to the change of date for the Traditional Imo Awka festival, adding that they would thereafter communicate the state government in writing.