Awka kingmakers condemn alleged govt. interference in traditional rulership

Mariam Abeeb

The Awka Council of Kingmakers has condemned what it described as persistent and unlawful interference by the Anambra State Government in the Awka traditional rulership, as well as alleged orchestrated media attacks on the Awka monarch, Dr Austin Ndigwe, Eze Uzu III.

The council, in a statement issued in Awka and signed by its members, said the alleged actions amounted to an assault on the cultural sovereignty and ancestral rights of the Awka people.
According to the statement, the Awka Traditional Rulership issues were long settled in line with Awka customs and traditions, stressing that Obi Ndigwe was duly selected, installed and enthroned by the legitimate kingmakers after the observance of all required rites and community consensus.

“The Anambra State Government’s claims and threats of criminal charges against our rightful monarch are baseless and represent a violation of the autonomy of traditional institutions as recognised under Nigerian law,” the council said.

The kingmakers also expressed outrage over what they described as coordinated media attacks and smear campaigns against the monarch, including allegations of imposture and criticisms surrounding chieftaincy titles conferred on Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

They recalled that the chieftaincy ceremony took place on Oct. 30, 2025, during the Igu Aro (Otite Awka) festival, which they said was attended by prominent Awka indigenes, adding that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo was duly invited to the event.

The council alleged that the state government remained silent at the time because of the proximity of the ceremony to the Anambra governorship election, but later “found its voice” after Awka indigenes overwhelmingly voted for the Soludo administration.

They noted that Obi Ndigwe had been on the throne for about nine years, long before Soludo assumed office as governor, and insisted that all due processes were followed in his emergence.

“Awka indigenes are not seeking political recognition for His Majesty. The governor should leave Awka alone and focus on governance,” the council stated.

The kingmakers further referenced the creation of autonomous communities by the Soludo administration, including Isuanioma from Isuofia, which they said was previously unknown in the state’s history and has been challenged in court.

They described the alleged propaganda against the Awka monarch as divisive and capable of undermining the peace and unity of the kingdom.
The council called on the Anambra State Government to immediately desist from all forms of interference in Awka traditional affairs and to respect established customs and processes.

“The Awka Council of Kingmakers stands firmly behind His Imperial Majesty Obi Austin Ndigwe, MON, JP, Eze Uzu III, and urges Awka sons and daughters and the wider Igbo nation to defend our heritage,” the statement added.