By Okey Maduforo Awka .
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state has warned that anymore parading himself as second Traditional Ruler in the area will go to jail.
This is coming as the Governor demands a unified date for the celebration of Egwu Imo Awka annual festival.
Recall that there has been a ten year Monarchy tussle in the ancient Awka Kingdom with Ozo Austin Ndigwe laying claim to the throne while Obi Gibson Nwosu is still the Eze Uzu 2 of Awka.
However, just recently Ozo Austin Ndigwe denounced his claim to the throne as Eze Uzu 3 of Awka dismissing Social Media handle as not only fake but not from him .
Soludo handed down this warning while having in audience the Ozo Awka Society which is the highest ruling body in the ancient Kingdom.
Similarly Soludo sued for a unified date for the Egwu Imo Awka festival stating that on the said 23rd of May , there shall be a state wide activity which would be affected hence seeking the backing of the Ozo Awka Society.
According to the statement by the Chief Press to Soludo;
“Addressing the controversy surrounding Chief Austine Ndigwe, whom the Governor described as a “friend,” he was firm on the rule of law, noting that the state’s Commission of Enquiry found that Obi Gibson Nwosu was never dethroned, and 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 warned.
“The Governor noted that the crisis, which allegedly stemmed from burial rites and zoning disputes, had become “egocentric.” He pointed out that the community’s constitution stipulates that it is the turn of Nkwelle village to produce the next ruler according to zoning, but the process was disregarded”
“Governor Soludo challenged the Ozo titleholders—who 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’s professionals and stakeholders to project the city positively”
“The Governor further urged Awka to build a grand central palace for the Eze Uzu Awka, similar to those in Onitsha or Ile Ife. He pledged that the state government would contribute to its construction, aiming for completion within a year”
“With the Traditional Imo Awka festival approaching, the Governor noted the need for a unified date but clarified that the event scheduled for the 23rd May, 2026 cannot hold due to a conflicting statewide event that equally requires security presence”
“Government will bring law and order, but Awka people will bring lasting peace,” Governor Soludo remarked.
“The Governor concluded by urging the “giant” of Awka to be awake. He lamented that despite its immense potential, the city has been “punching below its weight.”
“My only interest is for the betterment of Anambra and for Awka to regain its lost glory,” he said. “The duty of leadership is to do the uncomfortable thing, sometimes even to save the people from themselves.”
“Sir Chukwujekwu Eze who spoke on behalf of the Society, recieved what the Governor said and assured that they would go home, consult widely and take necessary actions, especially as it relates to the change of date for the Traditional festival, afterwhich, they will communicate the state government in writing” the statement read.
