THIS DAWN — On February 27, 2025, I announced the death of HRH Eze Stephen Nwabueze Ugorji, the Orji Ukwu 1 of Lorji Nwekeukwu Autonomous Community in Aboh Mbaise LGA of Imo State. He was my father, and I am his first child and the reincarnation of his grandfather, Ugorji Onyeukwu.
On that same date, I also declared in the clearest of terms, that I will not seek to be Eze to succeed my father after the 12 month mourning period of the late traditional ruler.
Subsequently, His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma called to condole me. During that call, he asked me if I was going to succeed my father and become “His Royal Highness.”
I told His Excellency that my late father fought for about a decade to enthrone rotational Ezeship at Lorji. And so, no, I will not succeed my father immediately, I informed him.
Moreover, I informed His Excellency that Ezeship is incompatible with my aspirations to serve Imo State and Nigeria in elective positions.
I have since made that declaration (of no desire to be Eze) five other times, including on the day I was installed as the Regent of Lorji Nwekeukwu Autonomous Community, pending the end of the mourning period and the selection of Orji Ukwu 2.
However, it appears that some people have concluded that the regency was preparatory to my installation as the immediate successor to my father.
And some have confused my installation as Regent to mean succession to the crown at Lorji Nwekeukwu Autonomous Community.
Therefore, through this statement, I want to state for the seventh time publicly that I am NOT interested in being Orji Ukwu 2.
Anyone seeking to draft me does not mean well for the community or for me, because I am currently the custodian of truth and order in the community.
At the Eze-in-Council meeting of August 2026, the crown at Lorji Nwekeukwu Autonomous Community will be declared open for succession.
I look forward to leading my community through a peaceful, orderly, dignified and free choice of Orji 2 thereafter.
May Chukwu Okike and the spirits of our glorious ancestors remain kind to Lorji Nwekeukwu Autonomous Community.
Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji
Regent, Lorji Nwekeukwu Autonomous Community.
Odoziobodo Mbaise
Nwaejiamatu of Aboh Mbaise
Ide Muta Lorji
