Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo has taken decisive steps to resolve the protracted Eze Uzu traditional stool crisis in Awka, announcing plans for a befitting central palace for the legitimate monarch and warning against the illegal parading of parallel traditional rulers. The Governor made the disclosures on Thursday during a high-level consultative meeting with members of the Ozo Awka Society at the Light House, the new Government House complex in Awka.
Commission of Inquiry Findings Upheld
Citing the report of a Commission of Inquiry chaired by retired Justice Paul Obidigwe, Governor Soludo affirmed that Obi Gibson Nwosu (Eze Uzu II) was never lawfully dethroned, and that Chief Austin Ndigwe was never legally installed as a traditional ruler of Awka.
“The findings are clear: there was no vacancy in the stool. Any attempt to parade a second traditional ruler in one community is not only unlawful—it is a criminal offense under the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law 2007,” Soludo stated.
The Commission, whose report was presented in March 2026, found that the purported removal of Eze Uzu II lacked quorum, denied fair hearing, and violated due process. It also reaffirmed Awka’s customary zoning principles, indicating that the Nkwelle quarter is next in line for the stool when a vacancy legitimately occurs.
Central Palace Proposal: “A Dignity Restoration Project”
In a landmark announcement, Governor Soludo proposed the construction of a grand central palace for the Eze Uzu Awka, modeled after the palaces of the Obi of Onitsha and the Ooni of Ife.
“We cannot have a traditional institution of this magnitude operating without a befitting seat of authority,” the Governor said. “My administration is committed to providing the enabling environment—including land and logistical support—for a palace that reflects the dignity of Awka’s heritage. We are targeting completion within 12 months of finalizing the legitimate occupant.”
The proposal was welcomed by traditional stakeholders who view it as a critical step toward restoring unity and prestige to Awka’s cultural leadership.
Infrastructure Milestones: Light House and Solution Fun City
The meeting also served as a platform to review progress on Awka’s urban renewal agenda. Governor Soludo highlighted the completion of the Light House complex—a 57-building Government House facility—and Solution Fun City, a tourism and recreation hub commissioned in 2025.
“For 34 years, Awka functioned as a capital without a functional Government House. That era is over,” Soludo declared.
“These projects are not just buildings; they are symbols of a new Awka—organized, modern, and culturally proud.“
Independent verification confirms both projects are operational, though minor infrastructure refinements continue at the Solution Fun City site following recent rainfall.
Festival Scheduling: Call for Unity Amid Security Concerns
Addressing cultural programming, the Governor requested that organizers of the annual Imo Awka Festival reconsider the proposed May 23, 2026 date, citing a major statewide political event requiring coordinated security deployment.
“We respect the spiritual and cultural significance of Egwu Imo Awka,” Soludo noted. “But we also have a duty to ensure public safety. Let us agree on an alternative date that honors tradition while accommodating statewide logistics.”
While some community members have expressed concern about altering the festival’s traditional timing, police authorities have been placed on alert to prevent any escalation of tensions linked to the overlapping chieftaincy dispute.
Ozo Titleholders Urged to Lead Reconciliation
Governor Soludo charged the Ozo Awka Society—described as the “conscience of the land”—to spearhead community healing efforts. “You are the moral compass of Awka,” he told the titleholders. “Just as we resolved the 20-year crisis in Isuofia through dialogue and adherence to due process, I am confident that with your guidance, Awka will emerge stronger and more united.”
Elders present at the meeting expressed support for the Commission of Inquiry process and pledged to engage all quarters in constructive dialogue.
What’s Next?
The Anambra State Government is expected to issue a formal White Paper on the Commission of Inquiry report within weeks, which will outline the official implementation roadmap for the Eze Uzu stool resolution.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has been directed to commence preliminary planning for the proposed central palace, pending final confirmation of the legitimate monarch. Stakeholders across Awka have called for patience and adherence to due process as the state navigates this critical juncture in its traditional governance history.
