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Traditional rulers in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State poured out their royal blessings recently on the newly approved Akutala Ugbene Ajima Autonomous Community. The event was also a historic moment for the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Vincent Onunze, Agujiegbe 1, as he was formally received into the fold of traditional monarchs in the locality.
It was gathered that Akutala Ugbene Ajima Autonomous Community was among the 14 autonomous communities that were successfully approved by the former Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, few weeks to his exit from office. Checks revealed that out of over 530 applications received, only 14 communities scaled through the meticulous screening process for approval by the state government.
The Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Uwani Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Emmanuel Emeka Umunna,
Owai of Ojor lgala, led other prominent traditional rulers to the newly approved autonomous community to stamp their royal approval and accord due honour to the traditional ruler. The colourful event, which attracted dignitaries from the community and beyond, was held at the Igwe Agujiegbe palace in Uwani-Ama.
Igwe Umunna congratulated the people of Akutala Autonomous Community for their steadfastness and diligence that led to the formal approval of the community by the state government. He further expressed his gladness that the crown of leadership has rested on a capable and trusted candidate, devoid of rancour and recriminations.
A chieftain of the area, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Evaristus Okechukwu, who is also the Onowu of the community, recalled the prolonged agitation for the creation of Akutala Ugbene Ajima Autonomous Community. He expressed joy that the age-long dream of the community was realised through the immediate past administration in the state.
Okechukwu explained that the creation of Akutala Ugbene Ajima Autonomous Community would bring the much needed development to the grassroot and enhance greater participation of the populace at the local level. He described Akutala as a peace loving agrarian community, and thanked the people for their remarkable solidarity towards the project.
Okechukwu described the new traditional ruler, Igwe Agujiegbe as a man of the people, whose passion for the development of the area remains profound. He expressed satisfaction that all the traditional blocs in Akutala have been accommodated in the new traditional leadership structure, and urged all sons and daughters of the area to join hands with the traditional monarch to attract development to the people.
Another community leader, Okeh Dieke, said the creation of the new autonomous community has brought leadership closer to the people. He noted that traditional rulers remain custodians of culture and bridge-builders in their respective domains.
He expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the election that produced Igwe Agujiegbe, and expressed optimism that the legitimacy conferred on him by the people of Akutala community would yield huge dividends.
A prominent women leader in the area, Mrs Benedette Okeh- Dieke, thanked all those that led the struggle for the creation of the autonomous community. She said the government of Enugu State has demonstrated to be people-oriented by heeding the cry of the community.
The former Provost, Federal College of Education Ehamufu, Dr Robert Ezike, described the development as a new dawn in Ugbene Ajima.
Ezike said the creation of Akutala Autonomous Community from Ugbene Ajima would usher development to the area and bring governance nearer to the people. He emphasized the important roles played by local institutions in peace building, conflict resolution and expressed confidence that the new autonomous status accorded Akutala would become a spring board for community development projects.
While welcoming the guests at the ceremony, the traditional ruler, Akutala Autonomous Community, Igwe Vincent Onunze praised the immediate past administration for giving a listening ear to the people of Akutala. He expressed confidence that Governor Peter Mba would continue the good work of the past administration. He further pledged his support to the present government in the ongoing efforts to build enduring legacies in the Coal City.
Igwe Agujiegbe equally thanked the Chairman of Ugbene Ajima Federated Union, Dr Romanus Ezike, for his selfless support that made the creation of Akutala Ugbene Ajima Autonomous Community possible. He also lauded the President General, Ugbene Ajima, Mr Albert Utazi, and the President General, Akibite Autonomous Community, Mr Ignatius Onunze for their individual contribution towards the peace and development of the community. He promised to collaborate with other traditional rulers and President Generals in Ugbene Ajima to foster mutual brotherhood and overall development of Ugbene Ajima.
He called on sons and daughters of Akutala Ugbene Ajima Autonomous Community to bring their wealth of knowledge, expertise and resources for the development of the locality.
“The task before us is to build a community we would be proud of. Nobody has the monopoly of knowledge. My leadership will value your honest opinions, candid suggestions and innovative ideas to move us forward. I urge our people to be united in this singular purpose of developing Akutala community,” he said.
In a congratulatory message, the people of Itakwuna General Assembly, noted that the release of Certificate and Staff of Office by the state government to Igwe Agujiegbe were historic feats worth celebrating.
The letter which was jointly signed by the chairman, Christopher Ikeowa, a superintendent of police, Rev. Fr Paulinus Ogara and other executives, observed that the traditional ruler has truly demonstrated to be a custodian of culture by treading the path of justice in implementing an equitable power sharing formula in the area.
“Providence has entrusted all of us the task of building Akutala Oda Autonomous Community. We wish to pledge our commitment to good policies and a progressive leadership that would make our beloved community a promised land”, Itakwuna people added.
