The Enugu State Government, under the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has conferred a Certificate of Recognition upon the traditional ruler-elect of Ogugu Ntu-Egbenese Ancient Kingdom, Igwe Aloysius Chigozie Ogbonna.
The presentation took place on Thursday at the office of the Enugu State Ministry of Rural Development, Local Government Matters and Chieftaincy Affairs, situated within the Enugu State Secretariat, GRA, Enugu.
This significant event was particularly joyous for the community, which has been without a traditional ruler for over 25 years following the death of their previous Igwe, the late Godwin Ochi, in 1999.
During the ceremony, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, presented the Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the State Government. He expressed his delight at Ogugu finally having a traditional ruler after many years, emphasising that peace would now prevail in the community.
Ogbodo also indicated that the Staff of Office would be presented to the monarch on Friday in the community and advised Igwe Ogbonna to uphold good character and respect the laws of the land, warning that failure to do so could result in the withdrawal of his Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office by the government.
He stated, “I am glad to have you here on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on this historic occasion. For the past 25 years, Ogugu community had no leadership.”
“We have the honour to inform you that having considered your selection by your community and your subsequent presentation in accordance with the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Law Cap 1(51) Laws of Enugu State enacted in 2004, His Excellency, the Governor, has approved your recognition as the traditional ruler of Ogugu Ntu-Egbenese Ancient Kingdom. And this approval took effect from the 26th of March, 2025.”
“So, on behalf of His Excellency and, of course, the management and staff of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, we congratulate you on your well-deserved selection and subsequent recognition,” Ogbodo declared. He cautioned the Igwe to behave appropriately and adhere to the Customary Code of Conduct of the community, as non-compliance could provoke government intervention.
In receiving the certificate, Igwe Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna Jnr. expressed his elation regarding this momentous occasion. He conveyed his commitment to fostering development within his community and noted that this role would facilitate greater investment in Ogugu Ntu-Egbenese Ancient Kingdom.
Igwe Ogbonna also extended his gratitude to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for establishing an electoral process that serves as a benchmark for democratic leadership. He assured that the community would support the administration of Governor Mbah.
He further acknowledged the efforts of the State Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, led by Deacon Okey Ogbodo, for their dedication to connecting rural inhabitants with both State and Federal Government initiatives.
“I am happy, not just for me but the entire Ogugu. On behalf of Ogugu people, I thank Gov. Mbah that after 25 years, we now have a king to rule Ogugu. I have a dream to see that Ogugu will know that they have an Igwe. I’ll attract investors that will invest in Ogugu and give jobs to our youths by building industries.”
“I have come to serve my people. I am a sportsman and I’ll reach out to the person that contested with me. I am going to reach out to everyone. I want peace to reign in Ogugu.”
“I also appreciate Enugu State Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters, led by Deacon Okey Ogbodo, for their commitment towards the people at the grassroots level, as they have been proactive in linking those in the rural areas with projects, programmes, and policies of both the State Government and Federal Government.”
Igwe Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna Jnr. was elected on 14th January 2025, securing 867 votes against his opponent Gidim Godwin Egbo, who garnered 363 votes. He is set to receive the Staff of Office today, Friday, 25th April 2025, along with the Ọfọ Ntu-Egbenese, thereby affirming his position as the leader of the Ntu-Egbenese clan, which encompasses over 32 communities and is recognised as one of the most distinguished ancient clans in Enugu State’s history.
