ENUGWU UKWU COMMUNITY CELEBRATE EKWU AKAEKPUCHIONWA, HON CHUKWUDI CHRISTIAN EZENWAKA WITH AN OZOMKPU TITLE INITIATION.

The serene town of Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area came alive on Easter Saturday, April 19, 2025, as dignitaries, traditional leaders, family, friends, and well-wishers from all walks of life gathered at the country home of Ozomkpu Hon. Chukwudi Christian Ezenwaka (Ekwu Akaekpuchionwa) for his grand initiation into the Supreme and Autochthonous Ozo Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri People Association (Reg. 6887023).

The prestigious Ozonkpu Initiation Ceremony was not only a traditional rite of passage but a cultural celebration deeply rooted in the heritage of the Umunri people. It was conducted under the distinguished leadership of Ozonkpu Chief Ralph Okafor (Omambala Enugwu-Ukwu Na Umunri), with royal blessings from the Grand Patron, His Royal Majesty Igwe Sir Ralph Obumnemeh Ekpeh (Okpalanakana-Ukabia Nri IV), Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri.

The colorful ceremony took place at his residence in Enuagu Village, Enugwu-Ukwu, drawing a large crowd of dignitaries, traditional leaders, family, friends, and cultural enthusiasts from across Anambra State and beyond.

Brandedge Studio Awka, in partnership with AnambraNews.ng and Brandedge TV, delivered full media coverage of the prestigious event. From drone shots capturing the grandeur of the occasion to rich photography, video documentation, and interviews, the story of the day was told with unmatched professionalism and flair.

In a powerful address, Ozonkpu Chief Sir Barr. Jude Ekwunife (Okwuatuegwu Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri Ji Di Ebube)—Secretary of the Ozo Enugwu-Ukwu Association—reflected on the delicate balance of tradition and leadership within the Ozo title hierarchy. He praised HRM Igwe Sir Ralph Obumnemeh Ekpeh (Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri) as a peace-loving monarch whose humility and wisdom preserved the order and dignity of the Ozo institution.

According to Okwuatuegwu, the structure of Ozo Enugwu-Ukwu faced serious tests in the past, especially following the transition of Late Igwe Osita Agwuna III. Though Agwuna had assumed the dual role of Eze and Onyeisi Ozo, the community feared the possibility of entrenching a hereditary monarchy. To avoid conflict, Ozonkpu Chief Ofiadulu was appointed to temporarily head the society until a new monarch was crowned.

When HRM Sir Ralph Ekpeh became Eze, he refused to take over the position of Onyeisi Ozo—unlike his predecessor. His decision to remain the Grand Patron rather than the head of Ozo, allowed fairness and inclusiveness to thrive across villages and groups.

Ekwunife noted, “His Majesty’s choice not to centralize all roles brought back peace. Villages now have a sense of belonging in our culture. Unlike during Agwuna’s time, Igwe Ekpeh returned ceremonial roles like Ika Oriri Ji Onwa Asato (New Yam declaration) to the people, while preserving unity.”

He also promised to publish the true historical account of Ozo Enugwu-Ukwu to correct misconceptions and guide the younger generation,

The event was graced by an impressive list of dignitaries and leaders, including:Rt. Hon. Chief Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo, Fomer House of Representative Member (Onyendozi ), Dr Uche Nworah ( Ezeudo )Hon. Justice Agatha Okeke (Adadioranma),Hon. Jude Akpua, Member representing Njikoka II (Omekannia Abba),Barr. Chinedu Ononiba, Mayor of Njikoka LGA (Isimmiri Nimo),Hon. Clem Aguiyi, immediate past Mayor of Njikoka

Hon. Chinedu Anekwe ,Chief Chinyelugo Nworji, Bonny Ozo Nkwuaku, Chief Nze Uche Okafor (Okanumee) and Nze Benjamin Okoye (Uchumuluaku) among others from Ndi Nze Enugwu-Ukwu.and many more .

The highpoint of the ceremony was the formal presentation of the Ozonkpu Certificate to Hon. Nze Christian Chukwudi Ezenwaka by Onosolu Eze Ozonkpu Chief Sir Dennis Anekwe (Omenyi Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri Ji Di Ebube) on behalf of HRM Igwe Sir Ralph Ekpeh.

The air was filled with excitement as cultural troupes, Ufie drummers, and masquerades brought the rich heritage of Enugwu-Ukwu to life. From the rhythmic beats to the traditional displays, it was a moment of pride not just for the Ezenwaka family but for the entire Umunri people.

The successful documentation of the event by Brandedge Studio, backed by AnambraNews.ng, ensured that the legacy of this cultural milestone was preserved and shared with a wider audience. The Event Pictures speaks.

It was indeed a day where tradition met technology, and where history, honor, and humility walked hand in hand.