Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has insisted that Awka kingdom, hosting the state capital, cannot be allowed to be ruled by two separate kings, warning that his government is ready to do the needful to sanitize the kingdom.
Soludo announced the plan over the weekend, when he visited the traditional ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu, as part of activities marking the annual Imo Awka festival.
Soludo’s visit was remarkable as he is the first sitting governor to pay homage to the Awka monarch during the traditional Imoka Day celebration.
The visit was also to reinforce his position and that of his government that Obi Nwosu remains the authentic traditional ruler of the community.
Speaking during the visit, the governor said his administration remains fully committed to rebuilding Awka in an atmosphere of absolute peace and unity.
Addressing the gathering, which included the Traditional Prime Minister of Awka, Engr. Benjamin Okoye, the President-General of the town union, Chief Fred Chinwuba, members of the prestigious Ọzọ Awka society, and other dignitaries, Governor Soludo stressed the need for a lasting and unified physical legacy for the Awka kingdom.
“Awka deserves a central palace that generations yet unborn will use. We will rebuild Awka. Ndị Awka, let us get it done together. We will lead the way, but it requires partnership and cooperation from the people,” the governor said.
The governor emphasized that infrastructural transformation can only thrive under stable leadership, while also addressing recent divisions within the community by invoking deeply rooted cultural values.
“In Igbo land, it is a taboo to have two kings in the same community,” Soludo stated.
Reflecting on the peaceful atmosphere that characterized the festival, which his administration approved after obtaining assurances from community leaders on the need for a peaceful celebration, the governor commended the people for prioritizing security and unity.
“Peace has come to reign in Awka. I am a peaceful man,” I commend the President-General and the Ọzọ Awka society for assuring us that there would be a peaceful celebration without security breaches,” he stated.
Governor Soludo also spoke on the importance of religious tolerance and mutual coexistence, stressing that cultural celebrations should unite rather than divide people along religious lines.
“There is freedom of worship and religion. Traditional worshippers should observe theirs, while Christians celebrate theirs,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the President-General of Awka, Chief Fred Chinwuba, commended Governor Soludo for his commitment to the development of Awka and for holding the community close to his heart.
Also speaking, the Traditional Prime Minister of Awka, Engr. Benjamin Okoye, expressed appreciation to the governor for his peace initiatives and the developmental strides being recorded across Anambra State, particularly in the capital city.
He assured the governor of the continued support and cooperation of the Awka people toward the success of his administration’s vision.
