The Anambra State Government has rejected a traditional title recently announced by Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, declaring that the honour was not recognised under the state’s chieftaincy laws.
The controversy followed a social media post by Odumegwu-Ojukwu on Wednesday, in which she revealed that she had received what she described as her 11th traditional title in Igboland. She said the title, “Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora” (Light of the Community), was bestowed on her during the Igu Aro cultural festival in Awka.
According to the minister, the title was conferred by Austin Ndigwe, whom she identified as the “Supreme Commander of Awka Ancient Kingdom.” She praised the Igu Aro festival as a colourful celebration of Igbo culture, featuring traditional music, dancers, masquerades, and other displays, and said she was also presented with the ceremonial key to the ancient kingdom.
However, the Anambra State Government swiftly dismissed the ceremony. In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Tony Nwabunwanne, said the title was invalid and had no legal or cultural standing.
Nwabunwanne explained that under Anambra State law, chieftaincy titles can only be conferred by duly recognised traditional rulers within their respective communities. He stated categorically that Austin Ndigwe is not a recognised traditional ruler in Awka or anywhere else in Anambra State.
“To put it mildly, he is simply an impostor,” the commissioner said, stressing that the action amounted to a serious violation of established tradition and law.
He clarified that the only legitimate traditional ruler of Awka is Eze Gibson Nwosu, known as Eze Uzu II, who is alive and officially recognised by the Anambra State Government. Nwabunwanne noted that the monarch, now 92 years old, is a former Biafran Air Force officer who once flew solo combat missions and later spent 15 years in exile.
The commissioner recalled that Eze Uzu II had previously conferred the title Omenife Awka on President Bola Tinubu in 2004, underscoring his long-standing authority and recognition.
Describing the incident as offensive, Nwabunwanne said the actions of Ndigwe “insult the sensibilities of Awka people, as well as Anambra traditions and culture.” He warned that impersonating a traditional ruler and performing ceremonial duties reserved for recognised monarchs would not be tolerated.
While acknowledging Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s stature and public service, the commissioner urged her to stop using the disputed title. He said she is deserving of legitimate honours but stressed that such titles must come through proper traditional institutions, not unauthorised individuals.
Nwabunwanne assured residents of Awka and the wider Anambra community that the state government remains committed to protecting traditional institutions and preserving the cultural heritage of the state.
“By purporting to confer a chieftaincy title, Mr Ndigwe usurped the ceremonial functions of the bona fide traditional ruler of Awka, and this is totally unacceptable,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who is also a chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has not issued any public response to the Anambra State Government’s position.
