By Christiana Nnaemeka
The traditional ruler of Owerri Municipal, His Royal Highness Eze Chukere Njemanze, Ozurigbo IV of Owerri, has conferred chieftaincy titles on Ezeudo Chuks Okpe and his wife, Chief Mrs Esther Chinyere Okpe, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to community development and humanitarian service.
The colourful ceremony, which attracted traditional rulers, dignitaries, kinsmen and well-wishers from within and outside the state, took place on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
At the event, Ezeudo Chuks Okpe, who is also Ezeudo I of Dublin, Republic of Ireland, and an indigene of Nekede Ancient Kingdom in Owerri West Local Government Area, was honoured with the title, “High Chief Ugochinyere I of Owerri”, while his wife, Ugoeze 1 of Dublin was equally elevated with the title, “Kpapando Ututu I of Owerri”.
Speaking onbehalf of herself and her husband shortly after the reception, Chief Mrs Okpe, who is also the President of the Nwannediuko Group Overseas, expressed profound gratitude to God, the traditional ruler and the people of Owerri for the honour bestowed on her family.
“We are overwhelmed with joy. This is something we had been planning for about six months. At some point, it felt like a dream, and we were unsure if it would eventually happen. But His Royal Highness kept reassuring us that everything would fall into place,” she said.
She recalled the initial anxiety that followed the announcement of the chieftaincy conferment, noting that the family was uncertain about how to handle the preparations until a close family member took charge of coordinating the event.
“I want to specially appreciate my dear sister who took it upon herself to plan everything. My husband and I are deeply grateful to God and to the people of Owerri. The ceremony was very successful, and the massive turnout showed the love people have for us,” she added.
Highlighting their longstanding commitment to community service, Chief Mrs Okpe noted that the chieftaincy titles would further motivate them to intensify their philanthropic efforts.
“We have always been committed to supporting our community. Every Christmas, we distribute palliatives, and my husband has provided about 24 solar-powered street lights to the Nekede community, among other interventions,” she said.
She affirmed their determination to sustain and expand these initiatives, stressing that their passion for humanitarian service remains unwavering.
“We are deeply concerned when we see our people suffer, and we do not hesitate to offer assistance whenever we can to put smiles on their faces,” she stated.
Describing her passion for community engagement, Chief Mrs Okpe said she derives great fulfilment from activities that foster unity and collective progress.
“This is my second chieftaincy title, and there are more invitations coming. I love anything that brings the community together. I belong to several associations overseas and currently serve as the president of the Nwannediuko Group,” she noted.
She further assured the traditional ruler, HRH Eze Chukere Njemanze, and the people of Owerri of the family’s unwavering loyalty and support.
“Whenever His Royal Highness calls on us, we will always respond. We will continue to support him in every way possible to ensure the growth and progress of our community,” she pledged.
The ceremony featured rich cultural displays, prayers and jubilant celebrations, as guests rejoiced over the elevation of the Okpe family into the Owerri traditional institution.
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