Anambra-Awka Rift Deepens Over Bianca Ojukwu’s Chieftaincy Title
At the heart of the latest cultural dispute in Anambra State lies an old question with modern consequences: who truly controls tradition?
A fresh controversy has erupted between the Anambra State Government and the Awka Ancient Kingdom over the conferment of a chieftaincy title on former Nigerian Ambassador and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
The state government has disowned the title, describing it as illegal and culturally invalid.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, the government said the title was conferred by an individual with no legal or customary authority, warning that such action amounts to impersonation and a violation of the state’s traditional rulers’ law.
The government declared the title null and void, insisting that while Bianca Ojukwu is deserving of honour, recognition must follow due process.
But Awka has pushed back strongly. In a rebuttal signed by Prof. Emmanuel Obi on behalf of concerned sons and daughters of the community, Awka insisted that the title, Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora (Light of the Community), was validly bestowed by Obi Dr Austin Chukwuezugo Ndigwe, whom they recognise as Ezeuzu III of Awka.
The community accused the government of cultural overreach, arguing that Awka’s traditional institutions predate modern state structures and do not require political validation.
They also defended Bianca Ojukwu as a worthy recipient, citing her public service and symbolic importance to Igboland.
As tensions linger, the dispute has reignited debate over the balance between state authority and traditional autonomy in Anambra State.
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