CHAIRMAN OMENANI AWKA REAFFIRMS AUSTIN NDIGWE AS AWKA MONARCH, CONDEMNS SOLUDO-LED PANEL OUTCOME

Chief Toochukwu Nwokoye Nwosu, Chairman of Omenani Awka, the apex body representing traditionalists (Ndi Omenala) in Awka has strongly reaffirmed Chief Austin Ndigwe as the legitimate monarch of Awka Kingdom, dismissing the recent findings of the Commission of Inquiry set up by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.

In a strongly worded statement issued today, Chief Nwosu described the panel's conclusions which reinstated Obi Gibson Nwosu (Eze Uzu II) and declared Austin Ndigwe's claims invalid and an affront to the state government as a biased and unacceptable imposition on Awka's indigenous traditions.

"The panel's outcome is a direct assault on our ancestral heritage and the sacred customs of Ndi Omenala," Chief Nwosu declared. "We reject it in its entirety. The so-called Commission failed to honor the true voice of the land and instead sought to subordinate our age-old traditional institution to external religious and political interests."

Highlighting legal protections already secured, the Omenani Awka Chairman revealed that traditionalists approached the courts and obtained a subsisting injunction. "This court order clearly separates the spheres: it allows the Church to continue its religious activities without hindrance, while fully permitting Ndi Omenala to carry out our traditional rites, ceremonies, and the recognition of our chosen leadership. The law has spoken, and we will defend that boundary."

Chief Nwosu issued a direct message to Governor Soludo, asserting that no amount of governmental pressure can compel traditionalists to accept a church-aligned leader as their king. "Governor Soludo will not force Ndi Omenala (the custodians of tradition) to bow to a church leader as our Eze. Tradition is not for sale or political convenience. Tradition has come to stay in Awka, rooted in the soil long before any government."

He further warned of lasting consequences for what he termed an attempt to sow discord. "The land of Awka the very earth that sustains us will not forgive Governor Soludo for trying to bring confusion and division into our peaceful kingdom. The ancestors are witnesses, and the soil remembers such desecrations."

Despite the ongoing controversy, Chief Nwosu pointed to the stability that has prevailed since the 2017 dethronement of Gibson Nwosu by kingmakers. "Awka has remained remarkably peaceful and progressive since that historic correction. Our markets flourish, our communities thrive, and development flows uninterrupted because the land is now aligned with its rightful custodians. The removal brought relief, not unrest."

The statement concluded with a passionate appeal for calm among traditionalists. "I call on all true Ndi Omenala, our youths, market women, elders, and every son and daughter of Awka to remain calm, law-abiding, and resolute. The people are solidly behind Austin Ndigwe — the chosen one recognized by the land, the shrines, and the ancestors. We will not be provoked into chaos. Our path is clear: defend our heritage with dignity and unity."

The reaffirmation comes amid heightened tensions following the Commission's report, which Governor Soludo has indicated will lead to a White Paper upholding the rule of law and rejecting dual traditional rulership in any community. Traditionalists, however, insist their allegiance remains with indigenous customs over state-recognized structures in matters of cultural monarchy.

Omenani Awka maintains that HIM OZOAustin Dr. Austin Ndigwe embodies the authentic traditional leadership the kingdom requires, vowing to continue upholding their rites under the protection of the court injunction.