THIS DAWN — The Anambra State Government has issued a strong statement condemning the purported conferment of a chieftaincy title on Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, by Chief Austin Chukwuezugo Ndigwe.
The government described the title as fake and the act as a desecration of the state’s revered traditional institutions.
The controversy erupted after Mrs. Ojukwu, a prominent member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), announced on social media that she had been conferred with the title “Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora” at the Igu Aro Cultural Festival by “His Majesty Obi Austin Chukwuezugo Ndigwe.”
The announcement sparked widespread confusion and criticism, with many questioning whether her involvement signaled a shift in government policy or an affront to Anambra’s cultural heritage.
Government Clarification
In a detailed statement signed by TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, the government categorically dismissed the conferment as illegitimate.
The Commissioner emphasized that the conferment of chieftaincy titles in Anambra State is the exclusive prerogative of recognized and certified traditional rulers within their communities.
For non-indigenes, approval must be sought from both the traditional ruler of the conferee’s community and the Commissioner’s office. None of these conditions were met in Ojukwu’s case.
The government further declared that Chief Austin Ndigwe is not a recognized traditional ruler in Awka or Anambra State. “To put it mildly, he is simply an impostor,” the statement read. Officials revealed that Ndigwe had previously issued letters under the title “Eze Uzu III of Awka,” despite the fact that the legitimate traditional ruler, HRH Gibson Nwabueze Nwosu (Eze Uzu II), remains alive and officially recognized.
Legacy of HRH Gibson Nwosu
The government underscored the stature of HRH Gibson Nwosu, a 92‑year‑old veteran known as the first Nigerian to fly a fighter jet solo and a former commander in the Biafran Air Force.
Nwosu endured 15 years in exile before returning to Awka, where he continues to serve as the legitimate custodian of tradition.
In 2004, he famously conferred the title Omenife Awka on Nigeria’s current president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Officials lamented that the actions of Ndigwe insulted both Nwosu and the cultural sensitivities of the Awka people.
“Even the late Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu will be turning in his grave at this unwarranted insult,” the statement noted, describing the episode as an abomination in Igbo culture.
Bianca Ojukwu’s Role
The government expressed disappointment that Ambassador Ojukwu, given her pedigree and background, would associate herself with the impostor.
It recalled that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo had publicly advised Ndigwe years earlier to desist from impersonating the traditional ruler, a moment captured in a viral video.
In her own publication, Ojukwu avoided calling Ndigwe a traditional ruler, instead referring to him as “Supreme Commander of Awka Ancient Kingdom”—a title the government dismissed as fictitious.
While acknowledging her right to use personal terms of endearment, officials insisted that elevating such labels to the level of chieftaincy titles constitutes a sacrilege against law and custom.
By purporting to confer a title, Ndigwe was accused of usurping the ceremonial functions of HRH Gibson Nwosu.
The government described his actions as childish and dangerous, warning that they set a precedent that could undermine the sanctity of traditional institutions.
“The State Government will not tolerate this desecration and will take every lawful step to protect our culture,” the Commissioner affirmed.
Call for Order and Values
The statement concluded by reiterating that Ambassador Ojukwu is eminently qualified to receive legitimate honors from recognized institutions, particularly as the widow of Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu.
However, any title conferred by Ndigwe is invalid and unrecognized under Anambra law and tradition.
She was urged to desist from addressing herself with such titles.
Commissioner Nwabunwanne assured citizens that the government remains committed to restoring sensible values, respect for law and order, and the protection of cultural heritage.
He warned against the rise of a “nascent subculture” that celebrates individuals with “megalomaniacal delusions” who attempt to play god.
Such figures, he stressed, cannot serve as role models for future generations.
“To the great and law‑abiding people of Awka, we have your back,” the statement concluded.
Nwabunwanne pledged that the government will safeguard the dignity of Anambra’s traditional institutions against willful assault.
