By joshua 
Ebonyi: Oferekpe Agbaja Community Coronates Gov. Nwifuru’s father as traditional ruler
By Agbo Amuche, Abakaliki
The people of Oferekpe Agbaja autonomous community in Izzi Local Government Area has coronated the father of Ebonyi State Governor Chief Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwamkpu as their traditional ruler with the title “Chibugo 1 of Oferekpe Agbaja Community”
The coronation ceremony, presided over by His Royal Highness, Ezeogo Charles Nkpuma, Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council in Ebonyi State, under the chairmanship of Chief Goddy Ogbaga was attended by many support groups and multitude of dignitaries, including Ebonyi State Governor Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, first lady of the State Chief Mary Maudline Nwifuru, Deputy Governor Princess Patricia Obila, all former Governors of Ebonyi State, Distinguished Senators, members of the House of Representatives, Speaker and members of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, State Executive Council members, and prominent business personalities.
Speaking shortly after the coronation, Governor Nwifuru extolled his father’s virtues, describing him as a renowned farmer, a man of integrity, and a proponent of justice and fairness.
He recounted the challenges Chief Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwankpu faced in his earlier years, highlighting how those experiences shaped his determination and unique perspective on family ties.
“My father’s decision to marry many wives was influenced by the intimidation and humiliation he endured from villagers in his quest for greatness,”
Governor Nwifuru noted Ezeogo Ezekiel Nwankpu, a staunch traditionalist, is married to 19 wives, 17 of whom are currently with him, and is the proud father of 108 children with 22 graduates in the various academic disciplines who are thriving in their respective careers.
Governor Nwifuru congratulated his father on his new position and offered prayers for divine guidance, wisdom, and protection.
He urged Ezeogo Nwankpu to use his position to foster peace, equity, and justice within the community and never to use the position to revolt against those who might have treated him bad in the past.
“Do not use this revered position to seek revenge or perpetuate injustice. Rather, let it be a symbol of unity, fairness, and service to humanity,” the Governor advised.
In their seperate speeches, the former Governor of Ebonyi State Chief Martin Elechi, Senate deputy Chief whip Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Speaker of Ebonyi State house of Assembly and chairman of the occasion Chief Goody Ogbaga commended the people of Oferekpe Agbaja Community for their choice of traditional ruler and his peaceful selection and urged them to support him to the fullest to take the Community to the greater height.
They congratulated the new traditional ruler of his emergence and prayed God to give him more wisdom, long life, good health as he pilots the affairs of the Community.
The climax of the event was the official presentation of a certificate of recognition to the newly coronated traditional ruler by Governor Nwifuru, in line with the Traditional Rulers and Autonomous Community Law, Cap 146, Volume 6 of Ebonyi State, which affirmed the new ruler’s authority and legitimacy.
The event featured cultural display by different groups.