After eight years, the residents of the Obeagu community in Enugu State’s Awgu Local Government Area have finally installed a traditional chief.
The community members of all ages elected Chief Sylvester Emeka Ojukwu to be the new ruler, and he was then crowned.
After Igwe Donatus Ikemefuna’s passing, the community has gone eight years without a traditional ruler, according to information obtained by newsmen.
The community members rolled out their drums at the Community Secondary School Obeagu during a vibrant event that drew many sons and daughters of the neighbourhood.
For the historic occasion, the elders in council, title holders (Aka ji Ofor), village heads, religious leaders, women, youths, and representatives of numerous associations of Obeagu natives outside of Enugu gathered.
Igwe Sylvester Ojukwu, the sole candidate in the election, won with 720 votes cast under the option A4 voting system prescribed by the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters.
Speaking after the coronation, the President-General of Obeagu community, Chief Calistus Ojiogbu described the event as a new dawn for the people, noting that many development projects have eroded the community due to absence of a traditional ruler.
Ojiogbu called on the people of the area to give maximum support to the new traditional ruler to succeed, while urging the royal father to carry the entire community along in the discharge of his duties.
“Today is a remarkable day in Obeagu. This community is going to become a new paradise because we are moving from the old order to a new order where everybody is thinking about the progress and unity of our town.
“So, expectations are that people are going to witness great changes. You have seen how people are very enthusiastic about it, they gave maximum support and that is how they will be giving the Igwe support.
“We are going to support him with everything we have to make sure he succeeds”, he said.
Also speaking, the woman leader of the community, Mrs Janet Anike and the youth leader, Mr Ogbonna Francis, as well as Engr. Chinedu Ani described the emergence of Igwe Sylvester Ojukwu as the reflection of the people’s choice and advised him to champion the course of the community.
They appealed to members of the community to accord the new traditional ruler the necessary support to move the area to an enviable height.
Addressing the people, the traditional ruler, Igwe Sylvester Emeka Ojukwu thanked the people for the opportunity to serve and promised to rule with the fear of God.
“I am delighted today for the opportunity given to me by my people. I am here to serve and not to be served.
“Obeagu is one united community and I will strive to sustain that unity. Those that may have one reason or the other to be angry, this is the time to come together and work for the progress of the town,” he advised.
Highlights of the event were the appointment of Chief Calistus Ojiogbu as the President-General of the Obeagu community and the presentation of certificate to the new traditional ruler by the community.
Six out of the seven villages that make up the Obeagu community participated in the event.