• Obu Ndigbo honours man who liberates abandoned prisoners from jail

It was a full showcase of Igbo culture and parade of its symbolic meanings at Nri community, Anambra State recently when a cultural ambassador and philanthropist, Chief Prosper Chukwuka was honoured with a chieftaincy title.

Nri community is regarded as the ancestral home of the Igbo.  Located in the community is Obu Ezumezu Ndi Igbo, a sacred place where the Igbo connect, commune and discuss matters affecting them.

The sacred grove is managed by Chief (Dr) Ramas Okoye –Asuzu, Ezeoba, the custodian of Igbo Culture and President of the Foundation for World Peace and Cultural Re-orientation.

At its recent gathering, Ezeoba Asuzu honoured Chukwuka with two  titles of  ‘Eze Omeiheukwu Ndị Igbo gburugburu II (worldwide)’, and ‘Deputy President Ambassador for Peace worldwide’.

During the conferment of the titles, Chief Ramas explained the significance of all the materials and processes leading to the coronation and what it symbolised in the Igbo cultural spiritual realm. He also explained that the honour bestowed on Chukwuka was arrived at after thorough screening and due diligence to prove that he is a man of impeccable character and integrity.

It was gathered that Chukwuka, a businessman and real estate developer, has through his Foundation released over 500 people from prison between January and September 2025 alone, both in Nigeria and abroad, and also provided support for indigent students’ education, business startup, and other initiatives aimed at making people’s lives better.

He was presented with ose oji, alligator pepper for cleansing, ogirishi leaves placed on his forehead which symbolises protection against evil spirits and sign of longevity. The ogirishi stems are used in Igbo land for boundary demarcation and is known for enduring all weather conditions and remaining strong and alive for many years.  A young maiden, a virgin, also presented a bowl of clean water to Chukwuka, a sign of purity and healing from all impurities while he was also made to walk barefooted in the arena, a symbol that he will wade through hills, villages and towns and come out unhurt and unscathed with success stories.

Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Ramas praised Chukwuka for his selfless service to society and mankind.

“As the custodian of Igbo Culture and International President of the Foundation for World Peace and Cultural Reorientation, I’m highly active on the social media from where I noticed this young man online releasing people from prison in various locations, including Lagos and Abuja. What’s striking is that this kind of philanthropy seems rare among young Igbo men. Instead, many prioritise extravagant spending, such as building hotels and throwing lavish parties.

“With his remarkable deeds, we did a background check on him and decided to make sure Ndigbo recognizes his efforts and confer a befitting title upon him.  After consulting with my elders, we decided to confer upon him the title of Eze Omeiheukwu Ndigbo Gburugburu and Deputy Ambassador of Peace, empowering him to continue doing God’s work.

“It was my intention to celebrate him while he’s still alive, and I emphasised that the title is conferred with my authority, which is unchallengeable in Igbo land.”

However, Dr Asuzu said he has warned him to ensure his hands are clean at all times, as the title holder, and not use the power to defraud or intimidate anyone.

Beaming with smiles, Chukwuka, who hails from Umudiaba village in Nkwelle community, Awka, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that it motivates him to do more for humanity.

He described the title “Eze Omeiheukwu” conferred on him as one out of many: “I’m excited about this title because it shows my work is appreciated.

“On November 10, 2023, I was conferred with the title of Eze Omeifeukwu Eze Igbo Gburugburu. Having helped to secure the release of prisoners in many places, I was given the title ‘Messiah ndi eji-eji’ (Messiah of the captives).”

On why he focuses on releasing those in detention, Chukwuka said: “I release prisoners because they have the highest problems after the dead. Prisoners are half-dead, unable to communicate or help their families. Releasing someone from prison is like saving their life.  There are some dumped inside prisons for simple reasons, trumped charges and not having any legal representation or because they could not afford to settle the police.  After their release, I counsel them to be law-abiding citizens and also empower them to be reintegrated into the society.”

The real estate mogul noted that the second recognition as the Deputy President Ambassador for Peace Worldwide would spur him to advocate for Peace in the world, urging young Igbo billionaires to focus on empowering others to make the society a better place.

The event, which turned into a carnival, drew the presence of titled dignitaries from the Nri kingdom and Awka capital city, drawing attention to the plight of prisoners and the need for more support for those affected by injustice.

Adaigbo Chika Chukwurah, a female Cultural Ambassador of Igboland, said she took an interest in ensuring Chukwuka was recognized for his good deeds and relayed his story to Eze Oba, who was also impressed and decided to honour him. She advised Amb Chukwuka to continue his good work and not let pride take over.

“I know that he is a perfect gentleman. He will never abuse the power bestowed on him. He doesn’t use titles to defraud or oppress people. This will rather encourage him to do more for the Igbo nation,” she stated.