…. Community Leaders Condemn Illegal Installation Attempt, Stand by Government-Recognized Eze MYRRH OBINNA ENWEREMADU
The leadership of Ngwaukwu community has publicly denounced a recent attempt to unlawfully install Prince Azubuike Enweremadu as the successor to the late His Eminence, Eze Bernard Onyenguzo Enweremadu. The community leaders expressed their strong disapproval of a video clip circulating on social media since August 23, 2024, showing a small group of individuals with questionable intentions conducting a purported installation ceremony near the Ihu Ala Ngwa Shrine.
In a detailed statement, the leaders clarified the situation surrounding the succession process following the demise of Eze B.O. Enweremadu. After the late ruler’s passing and the completion of the one-year mourning period in December 2022, the community began discussions on selecting a successor. The initial plan to allow Ihieorji-Ngwaukwu to produce the next Eze was abandoned when no candidate from the area expressed interest.
After extensive consultations, the community agreed that the Crown Prince, Rt. Hon. Christopher Ogbonnaya Enweremadu, should succeed his father. However, the Crown Prince declined due to his political engagements and recommended his immediate younger brother, PRINCE MYRRH OBINNA ENWEREMADU, for the position. The community accepted this recommendation, and Prince Myrrh Obinna Enweremadu was officially presented as the successor on January 19, 2022.
HRH. MYRRH OBINNA ENWEREMADU
The Ngwaukwu community, represented by the Nzuko Ukwu Ngwaukwu, Ezeukwu Executive Council, village heads, and other leaders, supported the decision. The then Traditional Prime Minister, Nze Joe Nwogu, was fully involved in the meetings leading to Prince Myrrh Obinna Enweremadu’s recognition by the Isiala Ngwa North Local Government and the Abia State Government.
On May 9, 2023, Prince Myrrh Obinna Enweremadu received his staff of office and a certificate of recognition, formally beginning his duties as the recognized traditional ruler of Ngwaukwu.
Regarding recent developments, the Ngwaukwu community was invited to appear before a panel set up by Governor Alex Chioma Otti to review certificates issued to traditional rulers by the previous administration. The community complied and is currently awaiting the panel’s report. The leaders emphasized that any actions taken outside this process, such as the purported installation of Prince Azubuike Enweremadu, are illegal and constitute insubordination.
The leaders also highlighted the desecration of tradition involved in the unauthorized installation attempt. They clarified that traditional rites concerning the crowning of an Eze are performed only after government recognition, and the visit to Ihu Ala Ngwa is a formal part of the coronation process, not an isolated act.
The Ngwaukwu community leaders, including the Nzuko Ukwu Ngwaukwu, Ezeukwu Executive Council, Ugo Nze Women, Udo Ala Ngwaukwu, and Ngwaukwu Youths, reaffirmed their unwavering support for Eze Myrrh Obinna Enweremadu and called on the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to disregard the illegal activities of those attempting to undermine the recognized leadership.
**Signatories:**
1. Victor Azumara (Jp) – President General Nzuko Ukwu Ngwaukwu
2. Ezumezu Emmanuel Jiakpanna – Traditional Prime Minister
3. Nze Emmanuel Orji – Chairman Ezeukwu Executive Council
4. Nze Anyanwu Ugwumba – Chairman Village Heads
5. Mr. Kenneth Nwaubani – Youth Leader
6. Ugonze Goodness Anyanwu – Ugo Nze Women Leader
7. Nze Joel Daniel – Adviser on Culture
8. Chief I.C. Ohajuru – Palace Secretary
