AWKA KINGSHIP: WHY ARE PROMINENT AWKA SONS AND DAUGHTERS DISTANCING THEMSELVES FROM SOLUDO’S PANEL REPORT?

The recent release of the Anambra State Government’s purported White Paper on the Awka kingship stool has once again brought the age-long issue to the front burner. However, a striking reality has emerged: *there is no known prominent Awka son or daughter who has publicly backed the report*. This loud silence from the kingdom’s elite is not accidental, it speaks volumes about the true position of Ndi Awka on their traditional institution.

For over a decade, Obi Dr. Chukwuezugo Austin Ndigwe, MON, JP, Ezeuzu III, the Eze Odinani of Awka Ancient Kingdom, has continued to enjoy the acceptance and support of the majority of Awka people. Prominent sons and daughters of the kingdom have consistently identified with him through their presence at cultural events, family functions, and palace activities. This visible solidarity stands in sharp contrast to the conclusions of the government’s panel and subsequent White Paper.

High-profile indigenes such as First Igbo Lieutenant General Isaac Obiakor (Rtd), First Deputy Inspector General of Police from Awka, DIG Celestine Okoye (Rtd), and the Traditional Prime Minister of Awka Kingdom and Former Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kene Moulokwu, among others, have maintained close association with Obi Ndigwe. Their participation in kingdom ceremonies, condolences, and communal gatherings over the years demonstrates that the core of Awka’s respected elites recognise and align with Ezeuzu III as the living custodian of the throne.

The Awka Council of Kingmakers (Ndi Ichie) has also rejected the panel’s report in strong terms, describing it as unacceptable, especially since the matter is said to be pending before a competent court. This position from the traditional custodians further reinforces the disconnect between the government’s White Paper and the will of the people on the ground.

The reason for the distancing is simple and straightforward: *the majority of Ndi Awka know and have accepted Obi Austin Ndigwe as their Traditional Ruler*. Since his enthronement, he has actively performed the sacred duties of the Ezeuzu III in line with Awka customs and traditions, hosting Ofala, Igu Aro, Imo Awka, and other festivals that bind the 33 villages together.

Awka elites, whether in the military, security services, politics, academia, or business, continue to identify with him because they see in him a leader rooted in the soil of the kingdom, committed to preserving its heritage and maintaining peace. For over ten years, Awka has remained largely peaceful under his active reign, with no breakdown of communal harmony despite the external narrative of crisis.

The absence of endorsements from prominent indigenes for the White Paper is therefore telling. It reflects a collective understanding that the panel’s outcome does not mirror the consensus and lived reality within the kingdom.

The Anambra State Government should be properly guided to allow the will of Ndi Awka to prevail. Traditional stools are not created by government fiat but derive their legitimacy from the customs, traditions, and collective acceptance of the people. Imposing a narrative that contradicts the visible support enjoyed by Obi Austin Ndigwe risks eroding trust in the traditional institution and creating unnecessary tension where none existed.

Awka Ancient Kingdom, the historic blacksmith capital of Igboland and seat of Anambra State, has a proud heritage that must be protected. Its strength lies in the unity of its people and fidelity to its Odinani and age-old customs. Prominent sons and daughters have shown through their actions, not mere words, where their loyalty lies.

Let the government listen to the authentic voice of the indigenes. Let customs and community consensus take precedence. True peace and progress will only be achieved when the sacred stool of Ezeuzu is allowed to function according to the will of Ndi Awka, rather than through external panels and White Papers that lack grassroots buy-in.

The record remains clear: the heart of Awka beats with Ezeuzu III. The silence of prominent sons and daughters on the panel report is their loudest statement yet.