By Amaechi Agbo

Enugu Naknu – Umueze Autonomous Community in Awkunanaw, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State on Saturday, May 2, 2025 made a significant stride towards emancipating themselves from the shackles of backwardness and propel themselves on the side of development as they crowned Prince Emeka Ani as their new Igwe.

The coronation ceremony which was attended by large number of the good people of the community at the Umueze Town Hall, was administered by the Eldest man in the community, Elder Nnamani.

After the coronation exercise, the Elder Nnamani pronounced the new Igwe’s name.

“Today, in the presence of our ancestors who are with us here and to the glory of God almighty, I present to Umueze, your new Igwe, His Royal Highness, Emeka Ani, Igwe Na Ezoroha 11 Na Umueze Awkunanaw. He is chosen by you and he needs your support to rule our land. Our ancestors will be with him and God will give him wisdom and long life to rule Umueze,” he said.

The coronation which was witnessed by the “Ndi Nze na Ozo” and titled men in the community, was peacefully conducted thereby bringing to an end the issue on the election of new Igwe in the community.

Also in attendance was the Acting President-General, Umueze Town Union, Engr Okwudili Ohaa who advised the people of the community to remain steadfast on the path of light and support the Igwe to fulfil his promises.

Speaking after his coronation, His Royal Highness, Emeka Ani, Igwe Na Ezoroha 11 Na Umueze Awkunanaw, said that his emergence as the new Igwe of the people was divine and called on the people to support his administration to restore the lost glory of the community.

While declaring that he would make the people proud and fulfil all he had itemised in his electoral campaign, the Igwe called on all the people of Umueze to unite in achieving the common goal for the people.

“On Saturday, April 12, we began this journey, to emancipate our land and set our people on the path of growth and development. For over six years, we have been without a leader, a king. Today, our tears have been wiped away.

“The Bible said that although weeping may endure in the night, but joy comes in the morning. This is a moment of joy to Umueze. And this joy will be permanent. As I said in my acceptance speech, elections are over, Umueze is now the project and I will make you people proud.

“We will work with everybody to restore the lost glory of our community. The ideals of our forefathers must be restored and upheld. We are going to operate an inclusive administration because you people gave me your mandate to oversee our community. It is time for Umueze to rise again and I will be in the vanguard for this project,” he stated.

A cross section of the people interviewed expressed hope that HRH, Igwe na Ezoroha 11 will lead the people to the promised-land having already distinguished himself by serving the community selflessly before his ascendency as the new Paramount ruler of the community.