Tension rose in Awka, Anambra State, on Monday as Chief Austin Ndigwe appeared in public as “Ezeuzu III” of Awka Ancient Kingdom.
This move defies a state government White Paper recognizing Obi Gibson Nwosu as the legitimate monarch.
Ndigwe, accompanied by a group including police officers and titled men, paraded through Awka, sparking controversy.
He later proceeded to a memorial service for the parents of Lt. Gen. Chukwukadibia Obiakor, where supporters continued to hail him as “Ezeuzu III,” further intensifying the dispute over the Awka traditional stool.
In a video shared on his Facebook page, Ndigwe was seen inside a convoy vehicle while chants of royal recognition echoed from supporters along the route.
His social media statement read in part:
“His Imperial Majesty, Obi Dr. Chukwuezugo Austin Ndigwe, MON, JP, Ezeuzu III of Awka Ancient Kingdom, felicitated with Lt. Gen. Chukwukadibia Obiakor at the memorial service …”
The statement further detailed condolence visits and meetings with members of his cabinet council, ending with multiple traditional salutations and a reaffirmation of his claim to the throne.
However, the Anambra State Government had, over the weekend, issued a firm position rejecting Ndigwe’s claim to the throne, insisting that Charles Soludo administration recognises only Obi Gibson Nwosu as the legitimate traditional ruler of Awka.
The directive was contained in a White Paper presented to the Awka Town Union by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tochukwu Nweke.
The document ordered Ndigwe to immediately desist from parading himself as monarch, describing his claim as unlawful and inconsistent with established succession procedures.
According to the White Paper, the Awka traditional stool follows a rotational succession pattern among designated quarters—following Ezeuzu I from Ifite and Ezeuzu II from Ezi—before rotating through other sections including Nkwelle, Amachalla na Ato, Agulu, and Ifite Awka.
The government maintained that the process had been duly reviewed by the Justice Paul Obidigwe Panel, which affirmed Obi Gibson Nwosu as the recognised traditional ruler, a recommendation subsequently adopted in the White Paper.
Despite repeated warnings from the Soludo administration, Ndigwe has continued to assert his claim, a development the government says risks undermining peace and order in the ancient kingdom.
The White Paper is now being widely interpreted as the state’s final administrative position on the matter, effectively directing all parties to recognise the affirmed leadership structure.
As of press time, it remained unclear whether enforcement actions would follow Monday’s public procession, especially given the reported involvement of security escorts.
Will the White Paper stand?
Source/Razor
