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•Oyinatumba our best choice -Ugwoji autonomous community
From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The people of Isiugwu, Ugwuoji autonomous community, Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu State have been in celebration mood this new year, following the successful coronation ceremony of their newly elected traditional ruler, Igwe Collins Chukwuemeka Alison.
Popularly known as Oyinatumba, Igwe Alison was elected the traditional ruler of Ugwoji, comprising Isiugwu and Owere-Eze communities, some months back. He polled over 4,000 votes to defeat two other contestants, Chief Stephen Ejiofor Iyida and Chief Uchenna Agada, who conceded defeat and congratulated him on the victory.
At exactly 4.21pm on January 5, 2026, the traditional Ofo seal of authority was handed over to Oyinatumba, thereby crowning him the Igwe Ohabuike III of Ugwoji autonomous community, Enugu State.
Amidst thunderous ovation, booming gunshots, and unprecedented excitement, the people rejoiced that they have got a leader whom they massively endorsed.
The significant ritual and transfer of power and authority to act and function in full capacity as the people’s traditional ruler, performed by nwa Onyishi, Odo Kenneth Chijioke, the representative of Agu Mamaja Ogboja Iyida, Onyishi Isiugwu Ugwoji, the oldest man in the community, formally brought to a climax, the selection process of a new traditional ruler for the people, following the demise of their former king, Igwe Fabian Eke, the Ohabuike II of Ugwoji community.
The newly installed king, Igwe Chukwuemeka Collins Alison, is an Atlanta Georgia, United States based entrepreneur, with business interests spanning across logistics, transportation, trucking, exotic cars importation/dealership, interior decoration, computer, and computer accessories.
People of the community testified that before his election as the traditional ruler, he had impacted positively in the lives of his people through various humanitarian services, and had remained humble and accessible without attendant hype.
The coronation ceremony started proper with a high mass presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. (Prof) Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, who impacted episcopal blessings on the new king, assuring him of constant prayers and God’s unflinching support to the throne since he put God first in the journey.
Delivering a homily during the mass, Rev. Fr. Oliver Udaya described Igwe Alison‘s royalty and ascendance to the throne as a thing of joy, but a herculean task.
The priest noted that the landslide victory, which the new Igwe recorded during the election, was a testament to the people’s love for him and his acceptance across the diverse people of the communities. He said the people reposed their confidence in the Igwe’s ability to move the community forward, while trusting in God to give him the needed wisdom, strength, and courage to move ahead in the new duty entrusted to him.
Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Isiugwu, Rev. Fr. Dennis Alumona, who also prayed for the new monarch, described his enthronement as a moment of great significance not only for the traditional institution of the land, but for every son and daughter of Isiugwu who yearns for unity, progress, and purposeful leadership.
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“Your life’s journey marked by learning, discipline, experience, and service has beautifully prepared you for this sacred responsibility of kingship. As you now occupy the ancestral throne, I pray that Almighty God will continually endow you with divine wisdom like Solomon, courage like David, and a heart of compassion like Christ the Good Shepherd. May your reign be guided by truth, upheld by justice, and crowned with peace and development for all”, the priest prayed.
The gathering of village heads, the elders in council, representatives of town union, and other stakeholders collectively decorated the new Igwe with the paraphernalia of office -the Igweship crown, the royal beads, the kingly hand fan, and the ofo presentation, completed the coronation process as the people chorused, “Let it be known to the whole world, that from today, January 5, 2026, we have got a new king, our Igwe, in the person of His Royal Majesty, Igwe Collins Chukwuemeka Alison”.
The newly coronated king stepped out immediately into the arena in his full traditional regalia and Igbo cultural dance, acknowledging cheers from the crowd who continuously hailed him with the constant phrase, “Long live the Igwe, and may your reign be fruitful”.
Performing the kolanut ritual, Igwe Alison prayed that good tidings shall be ushered and granted unto the people under his reign. He also assured that he will not derail from his vision that would usher in an era of harmony, development, peace, and social advancement in the community.
“Power has been vested in me with this coronation. I say that anyone that tastes this kolanut in my hands will experience a divine turnaround for good, good tidings for our people. Isiugwu Ugwoji autonomous community will not scatter in my hands. We shall prosper and move forward. I will uphold the laws of the land and respect constituted authorities while implementing our mission and vision for a greater and better Ugwoji autonomous community”, the Igwe pledged.
Chairman of the occasion and a prominent son of Isiugwu community, Chief Chris Onyekachi Simon (Don Chris), recalled the tortuous path to the election of the traditional ruler, and the special interventions he made to ensure that some people with selfish interests did not scuttle the process. He expressed happiness that, at long last, the greater people’s wish manifested in the choice of Oyinatumba as their Igwe
Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, in his remarks, hailed the new traditional ruler, Igwe Chukwuemeka Alison. While welcoming him into their fold, Igwe Asadu commended the people of Isiugwu Ugwoji autonomous community for their peaceful conduct during the election period. He averred that kingship is of divine origin and prayed for longevity on the throne for the Igwe and the enablement that will make him succeed.
Enugu State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Dr Nath Urama, also congratulated Igwe Chulwuemeka Alison on his coronation.
Dr Urama said that given Igwe Alison’s wealth of experience in leadership and innovations, both within and outside the country, he was confident that the king’s reign will usher in a new era of undisruptive growth and development.
“His reign will bring harmony, cultural renaissance, and constructive engagement with government and development partners across the globe, in line with the current Enugu State government’s leadership commitment to grassroots development and good governance”, he said.
A philanthropist, Chief Chukwurote Odoh (Messiah Nsukka), also in a hearty felicitations to the king, expressed firm belief that Igwe Chukwuemeka Alison will be a more transformative, unifying, and progressive monarch than his predecessors.
“He possesses the unique blend of traditional reverence and modern global exposure needed to steer the community forward, towards unprecedented peace, prosperity, and development”, he stated.
