By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
1– JAN – 2026
The ancient town of Umuagu Autonomous Community in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State witnessed an unforgettable convergence of royalty, culture and history on 30th of December 2025, as sons and daughters of the land, dignitaries, traditional rulers and well-wishers from far and near gathered for the grand coronation ceremony of HRH Eze Dr. Sir Anthony A. Okeke (Dibia Ukwu), KSC, as the Agu II and Traditional Ruler of Umuagu. The event was a defining moment that reaffirmed Umuagu’s pride, unity and respect for age-long traditions.
The colourful ceremony took place at the historic Umuagu Primary School Field, popularly known as 7½ Junction, a location deeply rooted in the community’s collective memory. The choice of venue carried symbolic weight, as it was the same arena where, twenty-one years earlier on 28th December 2004, Umuagu had crowned its pioneer monarch, HRH Eze (Sir) R. U. Okonkwo (JP) of blessed memory, who reigned as Agu I of Umuagu Autonomous Community. The 2025 coronation therefore represented continuity, order and the sacred passage of the Ezership stool across generations.
From the early hours of the day, the atmosphere within and around the venue was electrifying. Traditional music filled the air, cultural troupes rehearsed tirelessly, and community members coordinated activities with remarkable discipline, reflecting the seriousness and prestige attached to the coronation. It was clear that Umuagu was not merely hosting an event, but celebrating its identity, history and destiny.
The programme of events commenced with a lively music interlude by the Obowe Band, whose rich traditional rhythms created an inviting ambience as guests steadily arrived. This performance served both as entertainment and as a cultural prelude to the solemn royal rites that would later unfold, drawing the attention of everyone present to the significance of the occasion.
As dignitaries continued to arrive, there was an orderly arrival of guests and assignment of seats, with protocol strictly observed. The seating arrangement reflected the respect accorded to traditional rulers, political leaders, clergy, community leaders, awardees and invited guests, all of whom had come to honour the Agu II of Umuagu.
The ceremony progressed with the introduction of the Master of Ceremony, who thereafter formally welcomed and recognized the Obowo Council of Eze, other special guests of honour, and the Royal Father of the Day. This segment emphasized the strong bond and unity among traditional institutions within Obowo and beyond, underscoring the collective respect for Umuagu’s throne.
In preparation for the royal entrance, the arena was brought to life by thrilling cultural performances from the Enugu Ogene Boys and the Ohafia War Dancers. These performances, delivered with precision and vigour, captivated the audience and symbolically cleared the spiritual and cultural path for the entrance of the monarch, in line with tradition.
The atmosphere reached a crescendo with the grand procession and entrance of HRH Eze Dr. Sir Anthony A. Okeke and his royal train. Amid cheers, chants and traditional salutations, the monarch made his way into the arena in regal splendour, accompanied by kingmakers and members of his entourage, a sight that drew admiration and reverence from the crowd.
With the Eze seated, the ceremony formally transitioned into its spiritual phase with an opening prayer, committing the new reign, the monarch, his household and the entire Umuagu community into the hands of God. This was followed by the presentation and blessing of kolanuts, a sacred Igbo ritual symbolizing life, unity, peace and hospitality.
The Chairman’s Opening Remarks then set the intellectual and ceremonial tone for the event, paving the way for deeper reflections on Umuagu’s history, the legitimacy of the throne and the expectations placed on the new monarch. This segment seamlessly bridged the cultural and administrative dimensions of the coronation.
Cultural expressions continued with impressive performances by the Umunkwoko-Uba Women Group and the Nmanwu Isuochi masquerade, each bringing unique colour, rhythm and symbolism to the ceremony. Their performances reinforced the depth of Umuagu’s cultural heritage and the central role of tradition in communal life.
The Welcome Address was delivered by the Chairman, Coronation Planning Committee and President General of Umuagu Autonomous Community, Chief Isaac Modichukwunma Onukwube (Aghaerimba I of Umuagu). In his address, he warmly welcomed all guests and traced the journey of Umuagu to its recognition as a gazetted autonomous community in 2003, during the administration of Chief (Dr) Achike Udenwa, following the recommendations of the Justice Onumajuru Panel.
Chief Onukwube reminded the audience that it was in the same venue, on 28th December 2004, that Umuagu crowned its pioneer monarch, Agu I, and noted that the Ezership stool, in strict adherence to the rotational order of succession, had now moved to Umuekeyeye Village, culminating in the installation of HRH Eze Dr. Sir Anthony A. Okeke as Agu II of Umuagu.
He described the emergence of the new Eze as a triumph of due process, merit and popular affirmation, referencing the historic event of 22nd March 2025 at the Banquet Hall, Owerri, where Governor Hope Uzodimma presented the Staff of Office and Certificate of Recognition to the monarch, officially validating the will of Ndi Umuagu.
In glowing terms, the Chairman extolled the virtues of Eze Dr. Sir Anthony A. Okeke, portraying him as a man whose contributions span culture, youth empowerment, family support, security, road infrastructure, medical outreach, education and church development. He asserted that the history of Umuagu would be incomplete without dedicating a full chapter to the life and service of Agu II.
The address also carried profound expressions of gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma for honouring Umuagu by listing the community first among the 66 traditional rulers recognized on that historic day. Appreciation was equally extended to the Executive Chairman of Obowo LGA, Hon. Barr. Obioma Ehirim, with a passionate appeal for intervention on the long-standing Aham Bridge challenge.
Special recognition was accorded to traditional rulers, particularly HRM Eze (Sir) Ngozi Uwalaka, Nlogho II of Umulogho and Chairman of the Obowo Council of Traditional Rulers, as well as royal fathers from Okigwe, Rivers State, Western and Northern Nigeria, and legislators who honoured the occasion with their presence.
Following the welcome address, the Ogbodi Ekpo Union entertained guests with a spirited performance, maintaining the celebratory mood and reinforcing communal solidarity.
A defining moment of the ceremony was the citation of the autobiography of HRH Eze Dr. Sir Anthony A. Okeke (Dibia Ukwu), KSC, Agu II of Umuagu, which highlighted his academic excellence, professional achievements, philanthropy and lifelong commitment to the welfare of humanity and the Umuagu community.
The ceremony proceeded with another performance by the Obowe Band Group, after which the solemn Prayer of Consecration of the Crown was conducted. Prayers were offered for the Eze, the Ugoeze and the entire Umuagu community, invoking wisdom, peace, longevity and progress.
Cultural celebration resumed with a powerful display by the Umuagu Odumodu Dance Group, whose performance symbolized strength, resilience and pride in Umuagu’s cultural identity.
In his brief post-coronation remarks, HRH Eze Dr. Sir Anthony A. Okeke expressed gratitude to God, Ndi Umuagu and the Imo State Government, pledging to lead with humility, justice, unity and unwavering commitment to the development of the community.
The ceremony reached another peak with the conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished personalities, including Chief Isaac Modichukwunma Onukwube, Chief Dr. Damian A. Uzosiike, Chief Uzoma Iwuchukwu Uchegbu, Chief Jude C. Abanulo (PhD), Chief ESV Polly Onyinye-Chukwu Nwoke and Lolo Nkechi Nwoke, Chief Mrs. Philomena Nneka Uchegbu, Hon. Chief Samson Ugochukwu Nwayo, High Chief Ndukwe Kalu Uduma, Hon. Chief Iyke Ohanweh, High Chief General Joseph Chimechefulam Ognonna (Rtd), Okeh Nze Titus Elehuanya, Chief RTN Amb. Kenneth Onyekachi Ihemekwele (JP), Chief Hajiya Amina Sugha Saleh, and Hon. Chief Mrs. Comfort Ifeoma Uchegbu.
In addition, Ichie and Nze titles were conferred on deserving sons of the soil, namely Ichie Okwudiri Nwoke, Ichie Monday Nwadinobi, Nze Obi Donatus Enwenmadu, Nze Chima Madueme Oguayo, Nze Samuel Oleka Oguayo, and Nze Nneji Samuel Anyanwu, further strengthening Umuagu’s traditional institutions.
The ceremony gradually drew to a close with closing remarks and benediction, offering prayers for peace and prosperity in Umuagu, Obowo Local Government Area, Imo State and Nigeria as a whole.
In keeping with tradition, HRH Eze Dr. Sir Anthony A. Okeke withdrew from the coronation arena, accompanied by the traditional kingmakers, as he proceeded to the palace amid cheers, music and royal homage.
What followed was a vibrant coronation party, featuring refreshments, music and cultural bonding, as guests celebrated a new era in Umuagu’s traditional leadership.
Indeed, the coronation of Agu II of Umuagu stood not merely as a ceremonial rite, but as a profound reaffirmation of tradition, legitimacy, unity and continuity, firmly anchoring the throne in the will and aspirations of the people.
As Umuagu looks ahead under the reign of HRH Eze Dr. Sir Anthony A. Okeke, the coronation of 27th December 2025 will forever remain etched in history as a day when culture, leadership and communal destiny converged in dignity, splendour and hope.
📰✒️✍️
Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke Updates ©️
Discover more from NATIONAL BEAM
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
