Governor Charles Soludo and the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, among others, celebrate the Traditional Ruler of Awka Kingdom, Obi Gibson Nwosu, the Eze Uzu 2 of Awka.
This is coming as the Awka Ruling Council and the Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese, Rt Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, laud the position of the Anambra state government, reaffirming Obi Gibson Nwosu as the Monarch of the ancient Kingdom.
In a tribute marking this milestone, Governor Soludo described Obi Gibson Nwosu as a quintessential monarch, a symbol of peace, and a custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Awka people.
Governor Soludo noted that reaching the nonagenarian milestone is a profound blessing from God and a testament to a life lived with purpose, discipline, and dedication to the service of humanity.
The Governor further acknowledged Eze Uzu’s distinguished career before his ascension to the throne, particularly his service as a pioneer aviator, which brought immense pride to the nation.
He prayed for the Almighty to continue to grant the monarch good health, renewed strength, and continued wisdom to lead his people.
Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers of Anambra State, Lgwe Chukwuemeka Ngege Ezeike of Nibo.Town noted that;
“As a matter of fact, Igwe Gibson Nwosu is a personal friend, and I became Traditional Ruler before him, and when he became Traditional Ruler of Awka, I welcomed him, and we, his fellow Traditional Rulers, wish him well and congratulate him at the age of 90 years”
A topmost physical development Chief Executive and son of Awka Kingdom, Chief Clem’s Nwogbo, said, “We celebrate with him, and the entire Awka people are happy with him, and it is a big milestone for him and the people of Awka Kingdom, and hopefully we shall be back here for his centenary in the next 10 years”
“We are very thankful to the Anambra state government for taking this decisive stand on the Awka Monarchy, and that has finally put paid to this unnecessary controversy”
“Facts are facts and truths are truths, and we salute the Anambra state government for being bold and firm on this issue, and the Governor has said what we all know, and it is the truth. We are hopeful that every other person in Awka would take that for us to move on and make progress”
Ozo Benjamin Okoye, the Traditional Prime Minister of Awka Kingdom, took a swipe at those laying claim to the throne, contending that;
“As you can see, you know that we have only one king in Awka and no other, and any other person laying claim to this throne is an impostor, and they go about making noise on social media, and they are not on the ground”
“I am the Onowu of Awka, and if there is anyone who can say who is the Traditional Ruler of Awka is me, and it falls within my position and office”
First daughter to Obi Gibson Nwosu, Dr Mamina Nwosu described his father as a great man.
“My father is a very humorous man with a great sense of humour, and he is a great father, and he said something that Nwanyi bu Nwa, meaning a girl child is a great child, and we have always drawn inspiration from him ”
Chairman of Central Planning Committee for the occasion Prof Audtne U Nonyelu, said;
“It is not in dispute, and you don’t even think of it at all because you cannot have two Traditional Rulers in a Town, and Awka has only one Traditional Ruler, and the public shouldn’t allow themselves to be delivered by some people who go about misleading people and claiming to be the Eze Uzu of Awka Kingdom”, he noted.
Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor of the Catholic Diocese of Awka lauded Governor Charles Soludo for stamping his foot on the ground over the tussle.
We thank the state government for taking that bold step in clearing the air about the issue of the Eze Uzu tussle.
“It is the government that decides and recognises who is the head of the traditional institution”
“The government is in charge of all and sundry, be you, Christina or Traditionalist ”
“So this ongoing tension is not good for our society’s posterity because a society that has no peace cannot progress”, he said.
