Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has presented a certificate of recognition to the traditional ruler-elect of Ogugu Ntu-Egbenese Ancient Kingdom in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Aloysius Chigozie Ogbonna.
The State Government made the presentation on Thursday at the Enugu State Ministry of Rural Development, Local Government Matters and Chieftaincy Affairs’ office located in Enugu State Secretariat, GRA, Enugu.
The event, which was a memorable and hilarious one for the community that has not had an Igwe or a traditional ruler for over 25 years, followed the death of their former Igwe, Late Godwin Ochi, in 1999.
Presenting the Certificate of Recognition to the royal father on behalf of the State Government, the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, expressed joy that Ogugu had thus gotten a traditional ruler after many years, adding that peace would now reign in the community.
Ogbodo, who said that the Staff of Office would be presented to the monarch on Friday at the community, urged Igwe Ogbonna to be of good character and always respect the laws of the land, else his Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office could be withdrawn by the government should he do otherwise.
According to him, “I am glad to have you here on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on this historic occasion. For the past 25 years, Ogugu community had no leadership.”
“We have the honour to inform you that having considered your selection by your community and your subsequent presentation in accordance with the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Law Cap 1(51) Laws of Enugu State enacted in 2004, His Excellency, the Governor, has approved your recognition as the traditional ruler of Ogugu Ntu-Egbenese Ancient Kingdom. And this approval took effect from the 26th of March, 2025.
“So, on behalf of His Excellency and, of course, the management and staff of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, we congratulate you on your well-deserved selection and subsequent recognition,” Ogbodo declared.
He warned the Igwe to be of good behavior, conform and comply with the Customary Code of Conduct of the community, as failure could attract the ire of the government.
Receiving the certificate, the traditional ruler of Ogugu Ntu-Egbenese Ancient Kingdom, Igwe Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna Jnr., expressed his happiness over the epoch-making event.
He stated that helping to bring development to his community has always been his intention and that this opportunity will help in attracting more to the community, adding that he has come to serve his people and to bring in investors to develop his Ogugu Ntu-Egbenese Ancient Kingdom.
Igwe Ogbonna also thanked Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for making the electoral process that made him emerge a reference point for democratic leadership, while also assuring that the community will do her best to support the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu.
He also thanked the State Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters, led by Deacon Okey Ogbodo, for their steadfastness in bridging the gap between the rural dwellers and both the State and Federal Governments.
He promised to use the opportunity presented by his people to work for more developments.
“I am happy, not just for me but the entire Ogugu. On behalf of Ogugu people, I thank Gov. Mbah that after 25 years, we now have a king to rule Ogugu. I have a dream to see that Ogugu will know that they have an Igwe. I'll attract investors that will invest in Ogugu and give jobs to our youths by building industries.
“I have come to serve my people. I am a sportsman and I'll reach out to the person that contested with me. I am going to reach out to everyone. I want peace to reign in Ogugu.”
“I also appreciate Enugu State Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters, led by Deacon Okey Ogbodo, for their commitment towards the people at the grassroots level, as they have been proactive in linking those in the rural areas with projects, programmes, and policies of both the State Government and Federal Government.”
However, Igwe Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna Jnr. was elected on the 14th of January, 2025, after he scored 867 votes to defeat his other contestant, Gidim Godwin Egbo, who scored 363 votes.
He will be given the Staff of Office on Friday, April 25, 2025, same with the ỌfỠNtu-Egbenese. By this, he will become the leader of the Ntu-Egbenese clan, which has over 32 communities under it and is also regarded as one of the most notable ancient clans in the history of Enugu State.
