By Bon Peters
LOGARA/Nigeria: The traditional ruler of Logara Autonomous Community in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, His Royal Highness Eze Sir Felix Iwe Njoku, Ogaraku II, has called on the people of the state to protect peace and unity as political activities build ahead of the next elections.
Njoku made the appeal on Saturday, August 15, 2026, while marking his 20th anniversary on the traditional throne, saying sustainable development would remain difficult wherever communities were divided by conflict and intolerance.
The 93-year-old monarch, a trained civil engineer, attributed much of the progress recorded in Logara during his reign to an emphasis on tolerance, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
He said the community could have remained trapped in old disputes had members failed to embrace dialogue and a greater sense of collective responsibility.
Reflecting on his two decades on the throne, Njoku expressed gratitude to God for sustaining him in good health and sound mind. He also thanked members of his traditional cabinet and the people of Logara for their support throughout his reign.
He urged Imolites to place the interest of the state above political differences, particularly as the country moves towards another electoral cycle.
Earlier at the ceremony, Nze Charles Nkwocha credited the monarch with helping to change the approach to conflict resolution in Logara.
Nkwocha said the community had about 18 court cases before Njoku became traditional ruler and that the monarch’s emphasis on reconciliation helped resolve the disputes.
He described the development as one of Njoku’s significant contributions to peace and order in the community.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers in Ngor-Okpala, His Royal Highness Eze Anthony Ekwe Nwaeze I of Ezemba Autonomous Community congratulated Njoku on completing two decades on the throne.
Nwaeze said the monarch had remained active in the affairs of the traditional rulers despite his age and commended him for what he described as his contribution to peace, unity and development in Logara.
He appealed to members of Njoku’s cabinet, chiefs and other community leaders to continue supporting the monarch and helping him to discharge his responsibilities.
Nwaeze also commended Njoku’s children for their care of their father and prayed for the monarch to enjoy more years of good health.
For Okenze II of Logara Autonomous Community, Chief Ifeanyi Osuji, the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the monarch’s contribution to the community.
Osuji described Njoku as a role model and said Logara had witnessed greater cooperation, unity and attention to security during his reign.
He said that although he did not reside in Nigeria, the level of cooperation within the community had encouraged him to maintain regular contact and visit frequently.
He urged residents to continue supporting initiatives aimed at sustaining the community’s progress.
Speaking for the Njoku family, the monarch’s eldest son, Prince Leonard Njoku, expressed appreciation to members of the community, guests and well-wishers who attended the anniversary.
He said the family was grateful for the support and acceptance shown to the traditional ruler and appealed for continued encouragement for him.
The President-General of Logara Autonomous Community, Chief Barrister Martins Opara, also pledged his continued support for the monarch and called on residents to work collectively towards achieving the community’s aspirations.
Opara described Njoku’s 20 years on the throne as a period worthy of commendation and urged residents to sustain the cooperation that had characterised the community.
The anniversary activities began with a Mass celebration at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Logara, and attracted members of the clergy, traditional rulers from Ngor-Okpala, Nze, chiefs, business leaders, friends and other well-wishers.
Among those present was Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Njoku, former chaplain of Imo State University.
The ceremony ended with the cutting of the anniversary cake and cultural performances, as the community celebrated two decades of Njoku’s reign.
For the monarch, the anniversary provided an opportunity not only to reflect on his years on the throne but also to remind the people that peace, tolerance and unity remain essential to the progress of any community or state.
