Prince Chukwumeke Ugbome has been formally enthroned as the Uwaoma of Okpai Kingdom in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, marking a defining moment in the continuity of traditional leadership following the passing of his father, the late Igwe of Okpai.
The colourful enthronement ceremony, held at Okpai Oluchi on December 22, 2025, drew an array of traditional rulers, elders, community leaders, youth and women groups, as well as dignitaries from within and outside Okpai Kingdom.
Addressing the gathering, Prince Ugbome described his ascension as a solemn call to service rather than a personal triumph, stressing that his reign would be anchored on humility, fairness and commitment to the collective good of the people.
“My emergence as Uwaoma is not a privilege to dominate, but a responsibility to serve my people with humility, fairness and commitment,” he declared.
Reflecting on his upbringing, the new monarch said his early years of discipline and hard work had shaped his outlook on leadership, noting that peace and unity would remain the cornerstone of his reign.
“I was raised to understand the importance of peace and unity. With your support, this community will experience massive development, especially as we have capable chiefs and answerable government officials,” he said.
Prince Ugbome also highlighted the diverse cultural and religious influences within his family, which he said had instilled in him values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence; principles he assured would guide his leadership.
Paying tribute to his late father, the monarch described the former Igwe as a symbol of peace, stability and unity in Okpai Kingdom, pledging to uphold and sustain his legacy.
“The passing of my father is painful, but his legacy of peace, unity and service will continue to guide my actions,” he said.
He assured the people that his leadership would be inclusive and protective of communal interests, insisting that unity remains critical to the sustainable development of the kingdom.
“I am not here to rule with intimidation or conflict. I am here to stand with my people, protect their interests and work for the progress of Okpai Kingdom,” Prince Ugbome said, calling on all sons and daughters of the kingdom to rally behind his reign.
In her remarks, Princess Joyce Akpaluku, the first daughter of the late Igwe of Okpai Oluchi and holder of the traditional title Ochiaga, described her brother’s emergence as historic and divinely ordained.
She explained that the succession followed the established customs of the kingdom, which stipulate that the first son ascends the throne upon the demise of the king, adding that the seamless transition underscored the strength of Okpai Oluchi’s traditions.
According to her, the title Uwaoma, meaning “good life,” signifies a throne bestowed by destiny and tradition rather than contestation. “This is about celebrating life, peace and the essence of a good life for our people,” she said, noting that the community embraced the new monarch without dispute.
Princess Akpaluku reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the new Uwaoma, particularly in mobilising women to sustain peace and advance development in the kingdom.
Also speaking, Chief Obiajulu Nduka, the Ome-Udo I of Okpai Kingdom, described the enthronement as a historic milestone that reinforces peace, unity and leadership continuity.
Chief Nduka noted that the kingdom had evolved from past internal challenges into a more united community, adding that the peaceful ceremony reflected the progress made in strengthening communal bonds. He urged the new monarch to lead with consultation, collaboration and empathy.
The ceremony witnessed public declarations of loyalty from prominent political and community leaders, including former and serving chairmen of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Barr. Sam Chukwuji and Hon. Vincent Osilonya, as well as the President General of the Ndokwa Neku Union, Comrade Amechi Asuguni.
They pledged their cooperation and expressed confidence that Prince Ugbome’s reign would usher in greater peace, unity and development for Okpai Kingdom.
Reacting to the occasion, Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Comrade Victor Igweokwu, described the late monarch as “the source of unity and peace in the community,” noting that his death had created a deep void.
“Today, we are in the palace where the community is officially informed of the passing of the monarch while celebrating our historic culture as his son, Prince Chukwumeke Ugbome, takes over,” he said.
Igweokwu recalled that the late Igwe ensured stability by managing all segments of the community, including the youths, and expressed optimism about the future. “We pray that God Almighty grants the new Uwaoma the wisdom, knowledge and grace to sustain the legacy of unity, peace and love laid by our late father,” he added.
The enthronement is widely regarded as a milestone that underscores harmony, continuity and the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in promoting peace and grassroots development.
