Kingship In Enugwu-Ukwu

UCHE NWORAH 

The current traditional ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, is His Royal Majesty, Igwe Sir Ralph Obumnaeme Ekpeh, Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri. He is also the revered Grand Patron of Ozo Enugwu-Ukwu; Okpalanakana Ukabia Nri IV; Igwe Ononamkpumeaguaro; and Onyennedoanyamkpumeonyilienyi.

Igwe Ekpeh is the second traditional ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu, having succeeded Igwe Osita Agwuna, the first Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri.

Prior to the reign of Igwe Osita Agwuna, Enugwu-Ukwu was administered under the Warrant Chief system introduced by colonial authorities. Five Warrant Chiefs governed different parts of the community. These were Chief Eduzor Ifeagwu (my maternal grandfather), Chief Lazarus Agwuna (father of Igwe Osita Agwuna), Chief Anakwe Okoye, Chief Ifeacho Ibekwe, and Chief Nwokoye Akaigwe.

Before the introduction of the Warrant Chief system, traditional institutions such as the Ndi Ozo, Ndi Nze, and Ndi Ojiana were responsible for overseeing cultural, social, and administrative affairs within the community. The traditional institution in Enugwu- Ukwu is rotational among the quarters and not hereditary.

Igwe Ekpeh is a very peaceful and progressive King. His reign since 2011 has ushered in a lot of infrastructural and cultural development in Enugwu-Ukwu. The righteous is on the throne and the people are rejoicing.

By Ozonkpu Chief Uche Nworah, Ph.D
(Ezeudo Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri)
Traditional Minister of Information, Enugwu-Ukwu