Ancient Udi Kingdom in Enugu State Crowns New Traditional Monarch
UDI/Nigeria: In a significant transition for the ancient Kingdom of Udi in Enugu state, Igwe Samuel Aneke, a retired Deputy Controller of Customs and former traditional prime minister of the community, has ascended to the throne as the new traditional ruler. His inauguration follows the passing of Igwe Chris Ogakwu in 2020, marking a pivotal moment in the kingdom’s history.
Administering the oath of office on Monday was Chief Simeon Eze, the secretary to the Igwe’s cabinet. The momentous occasion was commemorated with a church service at St. Mary’s Pro-cathedral, attended by Most Rev. Ernest Obodo, the auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese. During this service, Bishop Obodo emphasized the significance of Igwe Aneke’s role, urging him to view his enthronement as a profound call to serve the community without bias and to consider all Udi indigenes as his subjects.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop Obodo highlighted Igwe Aneke’s qualifications, career achievements, and social connections, emphasizing the weight of responsibility now placed upon him to oversee the welfare of the people of Udi.
In response, Igwe Aneke rallied the support of the town’s natives, urging collective efforts to restore Udi’s former prestige. He further appealed to local politicians to set aside their affiliations, urging unity to attract governmental attention and vital infrastructure projects to the town.
Installed as the fourth ‘Okwuluoha’ (Spokesperson) of the Udi ancient kingdom, Igwe Aneke expressed profound gratitude to the community for deeming him fit to occupy the traditional throne. He pledged his commitment to fostering unity among the people, emphasizing the necessity of a united voice for meaningful development.
Igwe Aneke highlighted key priorities, notably ensuring the security of lives and property, promoting equitable rights for all inhabitants, and prioritizing economic empowerment for the youth. He affirmed that his election represented the collective voice of the people and vowed to sustain the peace and ensure fairness for everyone within the town.
Reflecting on the coronation, Mr. Ugochukwu Agballah, a prominent figure from Udi and chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, described the event as a realization of the town’s aspirations. He noted that Igwe Aneke’s uncontested emergence marked a historic moment for Udi.
Agballah pledged to mobilize support from fellow indigenes to facilitate Igwe Aneke’s success as the Okwuluoha IV of the Udi ancient kingdom.
The ceremony’s highlights included the administration of the oath of office to Igwe Aneke, the presentation of certificates to members of the Igwe’s cabinet, and the conferring of Chieftaincy titles upon selected individuals, signifying a significant milestone in the history and governance of the Udi kingdom.
