Awka Throne Dispute: Austin Ndigwe Calls for Calm, Reaffirms Traditional Mandate
Awka Throne Dispute: Austin Ndigwe Calls for Calm, Reaffirms Traditional Mandate
….Rejects Panic, Emphasizes Judicial Resolution…..
PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE PALACE OF HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, OBI DR. AUSTIN NDIGWE JP, MON, EZEUZU III, THE PARAMOUNT RULER AND CUSTODIAN OF AWKA ANCIENT KINGDOM
The Palace of His Imperial Majesty, Obi Dr. Austin Ndigwe JP, MON, EzeUzu III, the duly crowned and enthroned Traditional Ruler of Awka Ancient Kingdom, issues this press statement today to address the growing concerns, speculations, and discussions surrounding the recent submission of the report by the Commission of Inquiry set up by the Anambra State Government to inquire into aspects of the EzeUzu traditional stool.
First and foremost, His Imperial Majesty calls on every Awka indigene men, women, youths, elders, professionals, business people, politicians, and those in the civil service to remain absolutely peaceful, calm, and law-abiding. There is no cause whatsoever for alarm, anxiety, fretfulness, or any form of agitation.
Do not allow rumours, provocative statements on social media, or misinformation from interested parties to disturb the peace that has prevailed in our kingdom under the leadership of EzeUzu III. Any attempt to incite unrest, provoke confrontation, or engage in actions that could lead to breach of public peace will be counterproductive and will only serve the interests of those who do not desire the continued progress and unity of Awka.
The Panel of Inquiry set up by Anambra State Government over the Awka Traditional Stool Dispute, chaired by Hon. Justice Paul Obidigwe (Rtd), has submitted its report to the Governor. While the full contents of the report are yet to be made public by the appropriate authorities,
*His Imperial Majesty wishes to reiterate in the strongest possible terms that this entire process was fundamentally an academic and administrative exercise. The matter is already before a competent Court of Law, and as a people who have always upheld the rule of law, respected judicial processes, and submitted ourselves to the impartiality of the courts, we must allow the judiciary to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without pressure, interference, or premature conclusions. The Palace has full confidence in the Nigerian judicial system and will abide by whatever final determination the courts reach in due course.*
Let it be restated clearly and for the records of history:
-His Imperial Majesty, Obi Dr. Austin Ndigwe JP, MON, EzeUzu III, was not appointed, selected, gazetted by any government—state or federal.
– He was freely chosen, nominated, and crowned by the legitimate Awka Kingmakers, the custodians of our ancient customs, comprising the principal Ozo title holders, the Okpalaekili, Nze na Ozo, village heads, and other traditional authorities vested with this sacred responsibility under Awka native law and custom.
– This selection enjoyed the overwhelming backing, endorsement, and public acclamation of the good people of Awka, the thirty-three villages, kindreds, age-grades, women groups, town unions, and the vast majority of indigenes both at home and abroad.
– The coronation ceremonies were conducted in full compliance with all required traditional rites, rituals, and ancestral observances at the sacred shrines of Awka, witnessed by thousands of our people and blessed by the ancestors.
– The EzeUzu institution in Awka is an autochthonous traditional stool, This is not a government-created stool. This is not a political appointment. This is the authentic voice of Awka tradition speaking through its rightful custodian. It predates modern government structures. It is older than the creation of Anambra State. It is rooted in our indigenous governance system and derives its authority from the collective will of the Awka people and the spiritual sanction of our forebears not from any executive proclamation or certificate of recognition.
The Palace acknowledges that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo may have deemed it necessary to set up this Panel in pursuit of what he perceives as order and documentation in traditional institutions. We do not question his intentions. However, we must state clearly that whatever “academic exercise” the Panel has undertaking is exactly that -an academic exercise. It cannot override or nullify the traditional processes that have already taken place. It cannot rewrite the history of our Kingdom. It cannot undo what has been done in accordance with Awka native law and custom.
Under the visionary and peaceful reign of EzeUzu III, Awka has experienced remarkable stability, cultural revival, youth empowerment, women inclusion, infrastructural advocacy, investment attraction, and harmonious community relations. These achievements stem directly from the genuine love, loyalty, and support the Obi enjoys from the overwhelming majority of our people, the same people who selected and crowned him.
We therefore urge all Awka sons and daughters to:
– Continue to maintain peace and unity in our communities.
– Avoid inflammatory comments, street protests, or any action capable of causing tension.
– Channel any concerns through lawful and traditional channels to the Palace.
– Intensify prayers for wisdom, justice, and divine intervention.
– Remain focused on our collective development agenda for Awka as the capital and cultural heartbeat of Anambra State and Igboland.
To those who may hold differing views: the Palace extends an open hand of dialogue and brotherhood. Let us resolve all issues in the spirit of our shared heritage rather than division.
*To the Judiciary, we express our unwavering confidence in your independence and impartiality. We shall abide by whatever verdict the honourable courts eventually deliver, as we have always done.*
To our diaspora community in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Europe, America, Asia, and beyond: your unwavering support has been our strength. Keep investing in Awka, keep promoting our culture, and keep praying for your homeland.
His Imperial Majesty prays that the Almighty God, the ancestors of Awka, and the guiding spirits of our land continue to protect, unite, and prosper us. Awka shall overcome every challenge stronger, more united, and more glorious than before.
Long live EzeUzu III!
Long live Awka Ancient Kingdom!
Long live Anambra State!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Issued under the authority and seal of the Palace of His Imperial Majesty, Obi Dr. Austin Ndigwe JP, MON, EzeUzu III.
Signed:
Barr. ECG Okechukwu
Former Chairman,
Nigeria Bar Association,
Awka South
For: The Royal Cabinet, Awka Kingmakers, and the People of Awka Ancient Kingdom
