Awka- In a bold and unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the political and traditional corridors of Anambra State, Executive Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has finally drawn the battle line on the lingering, deeply divisive chieftaincy crisis tearing apart Awka, the state’s capital.
For years, the ancient city of Awka has been caught in a fierce and paralyzing royal crossfire, with two heavyweights—His Royal Majesty, Obi Gibson Nwosu (Eze Uzu II), and Ozo Austin Ndigwe—both laying claim to the revered traditional throne. The crisis has crippled community development, divided loyalties, and threatened the very fabric of Awka’s rich cultural heritage.
But yesterday, the era of pretending came to a dramatic halt.
In a high-stakes meeting at the Government House with the powerful Ozo Awka Society, led by Ozo Sir Chukwujekwu Eze, Governor Soludo laid bare the hard truths, waving an olive branch with one hand and wielding the full weight of the law in the other.
The Verdict: “Parade as a Second King, Go to Jail”
Speaking with unapologetic candor, Soludo revealed the definitive findings of the Justice Paul Obidigwe-led Commission of Enquiry, which the state government recently gazetted into a White Paper. The findings were absolute: Obi Gibson Nwosu was never lawfully dethroned, and Chief Austin Ndigwe was never legally enthroned.
“The law is law,” Soludo declared. “If you parade as a second traditional ruler in one community, you go to jail. Period. This isn’t about personalities. It’s about order.”
Recent weeks had seen heightened tensions in the capital, with reports of unauthorized royal convoys prompting the government to step in. However, in a display of extraordinary diplomatic grace, Governor Soludo announced he is withholding the prosecution of those involved in the infractions—despite having overwhelming evidence—to give Awka a genuine chance to heal. Furthermore, he reminded the kingmakers of their own constitution, pointing out that by the principle of zoning, it is undeniably the turn of Nkwelle village to produce the next successor when the time comes.
Breaking a 34-Year Jinx: Awka’s Transformation
Governor Soludo reminded the elite titled men that buildings alone do not make a 21st-century city; people and peace do. For 34 years, Awka suffered under the weight of poor vision, operating as a glorified junction rather than a true capital—with no Government House and no Governor’s Lodge.
“That jinx is broken,” Soludo announced proudly. “I made a promise: I will live in Awka. Today, you can walk into the Light House — 57 buildings that say Anambra has arrived. We built Solution Fun City because Awka must be a destination, not a junction.” But he passionately noted that Awka has been “punching below its weight” entirely due to its self-inflicted internal crises.
The Blueprint for Lasting Peace: A Grand Palace & A Unified Festival
Determined to restore the dignity of the Awka monarchy, Governor Soludo dropped a massive developmental bombshell. He proposed the construction of a state-of-the-art, grand central palace for the Eze Uzu of Awka—a monumental architectural marvel to rival the great palaces of Onitsha and Ile Ife. He pledged massive government backing to complete this legacy project within just 12 months.
However, peace requires compromise. Addressing the highly anticipated annual Imo Awka Festival, the Governor firmly stated that the slated date of May 23rd, 2026, will not work. Citing a major statewide event scheduled for the same day that would dangerously split the state’s security apparatus, Soludo urged the Ozo Awka Society to agree on a new, unified date to guarantee a safe and spectacular celebration.
A Final Charge to Ndi Ozo
Drawing on his successful track record of brokering peace in his hometown of Isuofia after 20 years of bitter crisis, Soludo looked the Ozo titleholders in the eye and delivered a profound mandate:
“You are the conscience of this land. If you speak the truth, Awka will heal… Government will bring law and order. But only Awka people can bring lasting peace. The duty of leadership is to save people, sometimes from themselves. I will do my part. Awka, do yours.”
With the government’s White Paper officially establishing Obi Gibson Nwosu as the undisputed Eze Uzu II, and Ndigwe reportedly submitting a formal letter of respect to the government’s stance, a new dawn of sustainable peace is finally breaking over Awka.
For the first time in decades, the capital is not just surviving; it is preparing to thrive as the clean, smart, proud, and cosmopolitan city it was always destined to be.
Stay tuned to ABT NEWS (www.abtnews.net) for exclusive, continuous updates on this breaking story and more sensational reports from across the globe!
By
By
