Showing posts from January, 2026

After 12 Years of Interregnum, Akpoha Crowns New Monarch, Honours Sons, Stakeholders Appeal for Road Reconstruction Nkechinyere Ewa For the first time in twelve years, Akpoha Autonomous Community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State stood still on Saturday, January 24, as history, culture and renewed hope converged in one grand spectacle. The long-awaited coronation of Ezeogo Augustine Ezi Ogbonnia, the Igurube Nnekwu III of Akpoha, marked the end of a prolonged absence of traditional leadership following the death of the former ruler. The ceremony, which also featured the conferment of chieftaincy titles on prominent sons and daughters of Afikpo and beyond, attracted a massive turnout of dignitaries, community leaders, politicians and cultural enthusiasts from all walks of life. For many residents, the event was more than a coronation. it was a symbolic rebirth. Community members described the emergence of the new monarch as “one of the greatest gifts” to Akpoha under the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, whose insistence that no community should exist without a traditional ruler paved the way for the restoration of the stool. More than sixty personalities were honoured with various chieftaincy titles in recognition of their contributions to community development, service to humanity and exemplary character. Speaking during the ceremony, the Coordinator of Amata Development Centre, Hon. Orji Obasi, who was conferred with the title Nwa-di-oha-mma of Akpoha, commended Governor Nwifuru for his commitment to rural development, particularly road infrastructure across the state. However, he passionately appealed for urgent intervention on the Amata/Amogu Road, describing it as a death trap that has crippled economic and agricultural activities in the area. According to him, the deplorable condition of the road has made the transportation of farm produce from the hinterland extremely difficult, worsening the plight of rural farmers and affecting food production. “We commend the governor for the numerous roads already constructed and those undergoing reconstruction across the state. But the Amata/Amogu Road has remained a major concern to our people. Its condition is grossly affecting agricultural production, and we appeal to the governor to remember our community,” Obasi said. He expressed optimism that the governor’s ongoing focus on rural infrastructure would eventually extend to Akpoha, noting that the road is strategic to the growth and prosperity of the Amata and Amogu communities. Reflecting on his recognition, one of the awardees described the honour as a reminder that genuine service to humanity never goes unnoticed. “This recognition tells me that there is nothing hidden under the sun. It inspires me to be more committed to the things I have been doing. I promise to do more,” he said. The atmosphere of joy and celebration was unmistakable. Speakers repeatedly referenced the significance of the gathering, noting that the absence of a traditional ruler for over a decade had denied the community cohesion, visibility and certain development opportunities. A former Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and current Board Chairman of the Ebonyi State Revenue Board, Hon. Christopher Omo-Isu, who was conferred with the title Omefuru Umuogbenye, 1 of Akpoha Autonomous Community of Afikpo LGA, Ebonyi State. expressed confidence that Governor Nwifuru would respond positively to the community’s appeal for road reconstruction. “Government cannot do everything at once. Road construction is turn by turn, and I believe it will get to our community. The governor has done well in the last two years, and I am optimistic that our people will be remembered,” Omo-Isu said. He emphasized that Akpoha does not base chieftaincy recognition on wealth but on character and service. “We don’t talk about money in my place; we talk about character. What have you done for the people? What problems have you solved? Those are the things we consider,” he noted, stressing that individuals with questionable character are not eligible for such honours in Akpoha. Also speaking, Mr. Cletus Orji attributed the long delay in major infrastructure projects in the community to the absence of a traditional ruler, explaining that the lack of unified leadership may have affected the community’s eligibility for government interventions. He expressed hope that with the coronation of Igurube Nnekwu III, Akpoha would now speak with one voice and attract meaningful development, including the long-awaited reconstruction of the Amata/Amogu Road. As drums rolled and titles were bestowed, the coronation of Igurube Nnekwu III stood as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of traditional institutions—not just as custodians of culture, but as vital partners in grassroots development and community advocacy. If

After 12 Ye ars of Interregnum, Akpoha Crowns New Monarch, Hono…

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