Chief Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwamkpu, father of Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, has been crowned as the Traditional Ruler of Oferekpe Agbaja in Izzi Local Government Area.
The coronation ceremony took place at Oferekpe Agbaja Primary School II, where the new monarch received a certificate of recognition and a staff of office.
Ezeogo Nwifuru Nwamkpu’s journey to the throne followed traditional protocols. The community first honored him with the title ‘Chibu-Ugo 1’ and later presented him to stakeholders, who approved him as their traditional ruler. His selection was finalized in accordance with the Ebonyi State Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Law.
Oferekpe Agbaja, which consists of 17 villages, was established this year after a law passed by the Ebonyi State House of Assembly. It was carved out of the larger Agbaja Community.
It was gathered that new ruler, a 84-year-old prominent farmer, once had 30 wives, though only 17 remain with him after some left due to childbearing issues. Governor Francis Nwifuru is the son of his fourth wife.
During the event, Governor Nwifuru praised his father’s resilience and recounted the struggles he faced in the community, including alleged mistreatment that pushed him into seclusion and polygamy to build a large family. “If you knew the level of humiliation my father endured, you would cry,” the governor said.
The governor described his father as a hardworking and generous leader and urged him to promote peace and unity in the community.
Chief Godwin Ogbaga, the event chairman and a former Minister of Power, commended the community for selecting a man of integrity and traditional experience as their ruler. He highlighted that traditional rulers are lifelong custodians of customs and are distinct from political leaders.
He further praised Chief Nwifuru for his accommodating spirit and commitment to societal progress, urging him to prioritize peace and development in his reign.
Chief Nwifuru was also urged to continue his legacy of generosity and inclusivity, with a mandate to unite and advance the Oferekpe Agbaja community.