Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
Adazi-Ani Kingdom in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State came alive on Saturday as thousands of indigenes, dignitaries and well-wishers from across Nigeria and the diaspora assembled to celebrate the grand coronation of His Majesty, Dr. Chinedu Benson Madubuko OFR, as Eze Chinechendo I of Adazi-Ani.
The ceremony, which was marked by pomp, pageantry and rich displays of Igbo cultural heritage, began with the formal coronation of the monarch by the town’s Traditional Prime Minister before a colourful reception at Community High School, Adazi-Ani.
The atmosphere at the event was one of excitement and joy, as masquerade groups, cultural dance troupes and traditional performers entertained the audience, showcasing the richness of Igbo customs and the unity of the Adazi-Ani people behind their new traditional ruler.
A major highlight of the event was the homage paid to the new monarch by his subjects and distinguished guests, including Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
A former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, attended the ceremony alongside another former governor, Senator Chris Ngige, and congratulated the monarch on his ascension to the throne.
Obi described the overwhelming turnout at the ceremony as evidence of the goodwill and confidence the new Igwe enjoys among his people, praying for wisdom and divine guidance for a peaceful and prosperous reign.
He stressed that true leadership should be rooted in service to the people.
In his welcome address, President-General of Adazi-Ani Town Union, Prof. Obikwelu Raphael Okonkwo, described the coronation as the beginning of a new chapter in the kingdom’s history.
He said the occasion represented the community’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while strengthening peace, unity and sustainable development.
Prof. Okonkwo expressed confidence that the reign of Eze Chinechendo I would usher in improved security, economic growth, educational advancement and infrastructural development, while urging Adazi-Ani sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to support the community’s progress.
He also commended government officials, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, donors and volunteers for contributing to the success of the historic event.
Speaking at the ceremony, politician and legal practitioner, Barr. Donald Amagbo, described the coronation as one of the most colourful traditional ceremonies he had attended.
He urged the new monarch to sustain his developmental efforts, noting that Dr. Madubuko had already made significant contributions to the community even before ascending the throne.
Amagbo called on traditional rulers to remain custodians of peace, culture and justice, warning against unnecessary disputes over traditional stools that often destabilize communities.
He said traditional institutions remain the closest form of leadership to the people and appealed to Adazi-Ani residents to rally behind their monarch.
Also speaking, the National President of the De Imperial Philanthropic Family (DIPF), High Chief Dr. Darlington Nwabunike, celebrated the monarch’s emergence, describing him as a leader of exceptional intellectual capacity.
Nwabunike, who noted that the new Igwe serves as Grand Patron of the organisation, urged successful Igbo sons and daughters to return home to invest in education, healthcare and empowerment programmes, arguing that such investments would reduce crime and strengthen security across the South-East.
Responding, Igwe Chinedu Benson Madubuko thanked the people of Adazi-Ani for the overwhelming support that made his emergence possible.
He described the coronation as the culmination of years of consultation and prayer, saying the community sought God’s direction before arriving at the decision that produced his emergence.
The monarch also expressed gratitude to his wife, children, family members and relatives for standing by him throughout the process.
He pledged to dedicate his reign to the development and welfare of Adazi-Ani, promising to govern with sincerity, wisdom and commitment.
“I will put my whole heart and the wisdom God has given me to work for our people. I will govern this community as my own personal business and family,” he said.
The new monarch also assured members of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council and the Anaocha Traditional Rulers Council that he would conduct himself in a manner befitting the dignity of the royal institution.
The colourful ceremony ended with renewed optimism that Igwe Madubuko’s reign would usher in a new era of peace, unity and development for the ancient Adazi-Ani Kingdom.
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