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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Governor Charles Soludo and the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, among others, have celebrated the Traditional Ruler of Awka Kingdom, Obi Gibson Nwosu, the Eze Uzu II of Awka who clocked 90 years yesterday.
This is coming as the Awka Ruling Council and the Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese, Rt Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor lauded the position of the Anambra State government reaffirming Obi Gibson Nwosu as the monarch of the ancient Kingdom.
In a tribute marking this milestone, Governor Soludo described Obi Gibson Nwosu as a quintessential monarch, a symbol of peace, and a custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Awka people. The Governor noted that reaching the nonagenarian milestone is a profound blessing from God and a testament to a life lived with purpose, discipline, and dedication to the service of humanity.
The Governor further acknowledged Eze Uzu’s distinguished career prior to his ascension to the throne, particularly his service as a pioneer aviator, which brought immense pride to the nation.
He prayed for the Almighty to continue to grant the monarch good health, renewed strength, and continued wisdom to lead his people.
Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers of Anambra State, lgwe Chukwuemeka Ngene Ezeike of Nibo Town said: “As a matter of fact, Igwe Gibson Nwosu is a personal friend and I became Traditional Ruler before him and when he became Traditional Ruler of Awka, I welcomed him and we his fellow Traditional Rulers wish him well and congratulate him at the age of 90 years.”
Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor of Catholic Diocese of Awka lauded Governor Charles Soludo for stamping his foot on the ground over the tussle.
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“We thank the state government for taking that bold step in clearing the air about the issue of Eze Uzu tussle. It is the government that decides and recognizes who is the head of the traditional institution. The government is in charge of all and sundry be you Christian or traditionalist.
So, this undue tension is not good for our society’s posterity because a society that has no peace cannot progress,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Central Planning Committee for the occasion, Prof Austine U. Nonyelu said: “It is not in dispute and you don’t even think of it at all because you cannot have two traditional rulers in a town and Awka has only one monarch and the public shouldn’t allow themselves to be deceived by some people who go about misleading people and claiming to be the Eze Uzu of Awka Kingdom,” he noted .
A topmost physical development Chief Executive and son of Awka Kingdom, Chief Clem Nwogbo remarked: “We celebrate with him and the entire Awka people are happy with him and it is a big milestone for him and the people of Awka Kingdom and hopefully we shall be back here for his centenary in the next 10 years.
“We are very thankful to the Anambra State government for taking this decisive stand on the Awka Monarchy and that has finally put paid to this unnecessary controversy.
“Facts are facts and truths are truths and we salute the Anambra State government for being bold and firm on this issue and the Governor has said what we all know and it is truth we are hopeful that every other person in Awka would take that for us to move on and make progress.”
Ozo Benjamin Okoye the Traditional Prime Minister of Awka Kingdom took a swipe at those laying claim to the throne: “As you can see you know that we have only one king in Awka and no other and any other person laying claim to this throne is an impostor and they go about making noise on social media and they are not on ground.
“I am the Onowu of Awka and if there is anyone that can say who is the Traditional Ruler of Awka it is me and it falls within my position and office.”
First daughter to Obi Gibson Nwosu, Dr Mamina Nwosu, described his father as a great man.
