The traditional ruler of Ogugu Ntu-egbenese Ancient Kingdom in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, His Royal Highness, Igwe Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna Jnr (Ubojene II), has announced the appointment of a full palace cabinet, advisers, Ndi Ichie, and cabinet mothers—marking the first such comprehensive appointments in the kingdom in 26 years.
The historic appointments are aimed at strengthening palace administration and enhancing effective service delivery across the community.
Among those appointed is a university lecturer and renowned journalist, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, who was named Palace Secretary and Head of Palace Media. Also appointed is a former State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Dr. Augustine Okolie, as Special Adviser on General Matters, while a former local government chairmanship candidate of the United Progressive Party (UPP) was appointed Personal Assistant on Special Duties.
The appointments, which cut across all clans, villages, and wards in Ogugu Ntu-egbenese, are the first of their scale in over two decades.
In a statement personally signed by the monarch and made available to journalists in Enugu on Sunday, Igwe Ogbonna said the appointees were carefully selected based on proven track records, academic excellence, competence, and commitment to community service.
According to him, the nominees will serve in various capacities including the Igwe’s Cabinet, Igwe’s Advisory Council, Ndi Ichie, and Cabinet Mothers, all working collectively to drive development in the ancient kingdom.
The monarch urged the newly appointed sons and daughters of the land to place community unity, peace, and development above personal interests in the discharge of their duties.
He also called on the entire people of Ogugu Ntu-egbenese Ancient Kingdom to give the appointees their full support, stressing that the ultimate objective is to achieve “disruptive progress” across the community.
Speaking to newsmen, the newly appointed Palace Secretary, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, expressed deep appreciation for the honour, describing the appointment as a call to service.
He noted that the role makes him one of the youngest palace secretaries in Enugu State, adding that he is fully committed to justifying the confidence reposed in him.
According to Dr. Okafor, “This appointment is a call to serve. I will do my best to deliver effectively on the responsibilities entrusted to me.”
List of Appointed Chiefs, Cabinet Members, and Advisers
Selected Candidates for Igwe’s Cabinet from the 15 Council Wards in Ogugu:
- Onowu Apostle Ethelbert Chukwurah
- Ogbuefi Dr. Godwin Udeibe
- Mazi George Ibe
- Gidim Jimmy Ude
- Gidim Ejike Okonkwo
- Ogbuefi Camillus Chukwueze
- Ogbuefi Hon. Fortunatus Ogbonna
- Hon. Sunday Ude
- Ogbuefi Dr. Aloy Chukwueze
- Ogbuefi Ude Benneth (PG)
- Gidim Sunday Moses Onovo
- Ogbuefi Charles Okafor
- Dr. Sebastine Okafor
- Ogbuefi Kanu Chukwume
- Ogbuefi Ifeanyi Ogbonna
- Ogbuefi Sunny Nwonye
- Ogbuefi Chukwuma Ude
- Ogbuefi Camillus Obasi
- Ogbuefi Elochukwu Udeamadi
- Mazi Obinna Eze
- Ogbuefi Ernest Obasi
- Mazi Jude Okafor
- Mazi Patrick Obi Okongwu
- Mazi Ifeanyi Umezuluike
Ogugu Cabinet Mothers:
- Lolo Benedeth Ofido
- Lolo Chika Okonkwo
- Oriaku Regina Udechioke
- Oriaku Pauline Okechukwu
- Oriaku Ngozi Udeagbala
- Chief Mrs. Augustina Ogbonna
Special Advisers / Palace Officers:
- Hon. Donatus Anioke – SPA on Political Affairs
- Ogbuefi Dominic Ogbonna – SPA on Protocol and Head of Palace Guard
- Hon. Ugochukwu Udeibe – SPA on Culture and Tradition
- Pastor Josephat Chukwu – SPA on Christian Religion
- Oriaku Ngozi Udeagbala – Head of Maidens
Special Advisory Council:
- Hon. Donatus Anioke – Special Adviser on Political Affairs
- Chief Dr. Augustine Okolie – Special Adviser on General Matters
- Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor – Palace Secretary
- Hon. Ben Okafor – Personal Assistant on Special Duties
- Ogbuefi Dominic Ogbonna – Special Adviser on Protocol and Head of Palace Guard
- Hon. Ugochukwu Udeibe – Special Adviser on Culture and Tradition
- Pastor Josephat Chukwu – Special Adviser on Christian Religion
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Oriaku Ngozi Udeagbala – Head of Maidens
