By Mick Oseji, Asaba
Governor of Anambra State, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has vowed to restore order and lasting peace in Awka, declaring that the era of confusion surrounding the Eze Uzu traditional stool must come to an end.
Speaking during a meeting with the Ozo Awka Society led by Ozo Sir Chukwujekwu Eze, Soludo said the state government would no longer ignore the lingering kingship dispute in the capital city.
According to the governor, the Commission of Enquiry set up to investigate the crisis established that Obi Gibson Nwosu was never legally dethroned, while Chief Austine Ndigwe was never lawfully enthroned.
“The law is the law. If you parade yourself as a second traditional ruler in one community, you go to jail. Period,” Soludo declared.
He stressed that the issue was not about personal interests or political affiliations, but about maintaining order and respecting the zoning arrangement recognised by Awka’s constitution.
The governor noted that it was the turn of the Nkwelle community to produce the traditional ruler and urged all parties to respect the process in the interest of peace.
Soludo also used the occasion to restate his administration’s vision for transforming Awka into a modern capital city, lamenting that for 34 years the state operated without a befitting Government House, Governor’s Lodge or clear urban vision.
He said the construction of the Light House Government complex and the Solution Fun City project were deliberate steps to reposition Awka as a true destination city.
“Awka must become cosmopolitan — clean, smart and proud,” he said.
The governor further proposed the construction of a grand central palace for Eze Uzu Awka, similar to those in Onitsha and Ile-Ife, promising government support to complete the project within 12 months.
On the controversial Imo Awka Festival date, Soludo explained that May 23, 2026 would no longer be feasible due to another major statewide event requiring extensive security deployment.
He called for a unified date for the festival, insisting that while government would provide law and order, only Awka people could guarantee enduring peace in the community.
“The duty of leadership is to save people, sometimes from themselves. I will do my part. Awka, do yours,” the governor stated.
