By Alumona Ukwueze

NSUKKA — The joy in Ibagwa Ani Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State knew no bounds following the coronation of a traditional ruler, HRM Igwe Cyril Nwabunwanne Asogwa (Ibagwa 1 of Ibagwa Ani Ancient Kingdom), for the community.

The election of the traditional ruler and his eventual coronation by the Atama Nkpunator, Edoga Cyprain Asogwa, on December 29, 2025, filled the vacant traditional stool, which has been vacant in the community for three years now.

While addressing journalists shortly after his coronation, HRM Asogwa expressed gratitude to his people for finding him worthy of occupying the revered traditional stool.

He assured that he would collaborate with relevant stakeholders and the people of the community to attract developmental projects to his people.

“I have been running from occupying this stool for the past two years but my people insisted that I must be the one. I have accepted to be their traditional ruler and you can see the overwhelming love and support they are showing me.

“I will collaborate with every member of this community to move our community forward. We have agreed to work together for the development of our community. I am promising them that we shall move forward together through our collective efforts,” he said.

While speaking at the event, the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council and the Traditional Ruler of Edem Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, HRM, Ikechukwu Asadu, congratulated the new traditional ruler and lauded the people of Ibagwa Ani for conducting a rancour-free election.

HRM Asadu, while thanking the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, for endorsing his election, assured that he would collaborate with the new monarch to engineer positive changes and add value to traditional institutions in Enugu State.

Reverend Father Mathew Ezea of the Nsukka Catholic Diocese and a native of Ibagwa Ani Ancient Kingdom, while thanking God for the emergence of HRM, Asogwa, remarked that it was the first peaceful Igweship election in the community.

The cleric called on the people of the community to support the monarch to ensure seamless administration of the community, adding that the beginning of his reign as the traditional ruler of the community, with a Holy Mass, is a demonstration of his fear of God and high regard for morality.

Earlier in his address, the President General of Ibagwa Ani Town Union, Mr. Fredrick Eze, stated that the coronation of the new traditional ruler for the community marked the beginning of a new dawn when the people, united in spirit and purpose, gathered to celebrate the rebirth of peace, unity and renewed hope in the community.

“Ibagwa Ani spoke with one united voice, and today, we celebrate that profound unity. This coronation is therefore, more than a cultural ceremony; it is a celebration of leadership and a symbol of hope: hope for development, justice, fairness, and leadership that listens, cares, unites, and inspires,” he said.

Eze described the emergence of the traditional ruler as divine mandate, sacred call for service, and a journey shaped by destiny, vision and courage.

The coronation was attended by traditional rulers, government functionaries, 11 Catholic priests and friends and well-wishers.