Jubilation as Enugu community coronates monarch

It was a day to remember in the annals of the history of Ukwu-Oto, Ede-Enu, Ede-Oballa Autonomous Communty in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State as the community coronated and installed their 4th traditional ruler, HRH, Igwe Prof. Sir. Vitalis Chukwuma Onah.

The coronation of HRH, Igwe Prof. Sir. Onah as Eze-Oshimiri 1 of Ukwu-Oto autonomous community by the king-makers of the community as well as the celebration of his first ofala festival which took place at Alagba Pimary School field, Ede-Enu, Ede-Oballa on August 25 , 2023, attracted notable government functionaries, academia, business moguls, traditional rulers, friends and well-wishers as well as family members of the new monarch.

While addressing his community after his coronation, the new monarch immensely appreciated his subjects for the confidence reposed on him, promising to work with the people and government so as to take the community to greater heights.

He noted that the task facing him as the traditional ruler of his community is an enormous one but expressed optimism that God Almighty, who elevated him to the stool, would give him the wisdom and grace to lead his community.

Meanwhile, some dignitaries who spoke with newsmen expressed gratitude to God for the success of the occasion and enjoined the new monarch to stand for justice and equity while playing the role of father to every sons and daughters of Ukwu-Oto community.

Speaking, Prof Gamaliel Prince, the Vice-Chancellor of an American University said he was in Nigeria to witness the coronation of Onah as traditional ruler of his community because he is a staff of his University.

“As university, we believe in respecting the culture and tradition of the people which is their identity.

“People should separate culture and tradition from idol worship. As a christian and educated person, I don’t believe idol worship in whatever guise.

“I have no doubt that Onah as Christian and professor would make meaningful contributions in traditional ruler institution,” he said.

Prince announced 10 scholarship awards on behalf of the university to the community, which he said was a way of promoting education in the community  as well as giving back to the society.

• Gunmen murder Imo traditional ruler
• Culture on display as Enugu monarch celebrates Iwa Ji Festival
• “I want to make them employers of labour,” says Enugu monarch who empowered 63 youths with N1 million each
• Niger Delta Minister Meets with Tompolo, Ijaw Monarch
• Gov Soludo Allegedly Suspends Traditional Ruler Over Chieftaincy Title to Political Opponent

“The community should give us 10 most intelligent youths we will sponsor and  take care of their education up to Ph.D level in our university,” he said.

Earlier on at the coronation mass which was celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Alagba, Ede-Enu, Ede-Oballa, the Chief Celebrant, Rev. Fr. Dr. Uchenna Anthony Eze, who represented the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah thanked God for the gift of the new monarch, urging him to see his new position as a call and opportunity to serve his people.

The new monarch equally gave chieftaincy titles to personalities who have distinguished themselves in different walks of life.