Obeagu Community Crowns A Monarch In Enugu After Eight Years

Igwe Sylvester Ojukwu and his cabinet members 

The people of the Obeagu community in Enugu State's Awgu Local Government Area have finally crowned a traditional chief after eight years.

The community members of all ages elected Chief Sylvester Emeka Ojukwu to be the next ruler, and he was then anointed.

Since Igwe Donatus Ikemefuna's passing, the village has been without a traditional ruler for the past eight years.

The community members rolled out their drums at the Community Secondary School Obeagu during a vibrant event that drew many sons and daughters of the neighborhood.

For the historic occasion, the elders in council, title holders (Aka ji Ofor), village heads, religious leaders, women, youths, and members of numerous associations of Obeagu natives outside of Enugu attended.

Igwe Sylvester Ojukwu, the sole contender in the election, won with 720 votes cast using the option A4 voting system prescribed by the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters.

Following the coronation, Chief Calistus Ojiogbu, President-General of the Obeagu community, referred to the occasion as a "new dawn" for the people, saying that the absence of a traditional ruler had led to numerous development projects that had weakened the community.

In order for the new traditional ruler to succeed, Ojiogbu urged the locals to assist him as much as possible. He also urged the royal father to involve the entire community in the performance of his tasks.

"Today is a remarkable day in Obeagu. This community is going to become a new paradise because we are moving from the old order to a new order where everybody is thinking about the progress and unity of our town.

"So, expectations are that people are going to witness great changes. You

 have seen how people are very enthusiastic about it, they gave maximum support and that is how they will be giving the Igwe support.

"We are going to support him with everything we have to make sure he succeeds", he said.

In their remarks, Mrs. Janet Anike, a woman leader of the community, Mr. Ogbonna Francis, a youth leader, and Engr. Chinedu Ani described the emergence of Igwe Sylvester Ojukwu as the result of the people's choice and gave him advice to advance the interests of the neighborhood.

They made an appeal to the populace to give the new traditional monarch the backing he needs to raise the region to enviable heights.

Igwe Sylvester Emeka Ojukwu, the traditional head of state, addressed the crowd and thanked everyone for the chance to serve. He also pledged to rule in the fear of God.

"I am delighted today for the opportunity given to me by my people. I am here to serve and not to be served.

"Obeagu is one united community and I will strive to sustain that unity. Those that may have one reason or the other to be angry, this is the time to come together and work for the progress of the town," he advised.

The selection of Chief Calistus Ojiogbu as the President-General of the Obeagu community and the community's awarding of certificates to the new traditional ruler were the event's highlights.

Participating in the event were six of the seven communities that make up the Obeagu community.