0-3968x2976-1-0-{}-0-12#
Umuhu Ancient Kingdom Holds Official Presentation of Her Eze-Elect Dr. John Onyema To Umuahia North LGA Council Officials.
The Umuhu Ancient Kingdom on Thursday recorded a significant milestone in its storied history as the people of the community formally presented their newly elected traditional ruler, Dr. John Nkwachukwu Onyema, to the leadership of Umuahia North Local Government Area.
The ceremony, held at the Umuahia North LGA Council Hall, marked the official recognition of Dr. Onyema as the Eze-Elect of Umuhu Autonomous Community, effectively ending a seven-year period without traditional leadership.
The historic event was presided over the Mayor of Umuahia North, Chief Smart Iheoma, and attended top council officials, traditional rulers from the Ohuhu Clan, community leaders, and cultural custodians from Amaogwugwu and Umungasi, the two major communities that constitute Umuhu.
Leading the delegation were the Presidents-General of Amaogwugwu and Umungasi, Chief Kelechi Uwaoma and Chief Christian Ukandu, who in their joint address, expressed pride in the unity of purpose that led to Dr. Onyema’s emergence and emphasized the collective desire of the people to restore dignity and leadership to the ancient kingdom.
A symbolic presentation of kolanuts and prayers traditional rulers, led HRK Eze Iheanyi Nwokenna, added spiritual and cultural weight to the ceremony. In a rare display of support, Eze Nwokenna, speaking on behalf of fellow monarchs, noted that although it is uncommon for sitting royal fathers to attend such presentations, the caliber and character of Dr. Onyema compelled them to break protocol.
“Dr. Onyema is not just a new monarch; he is a symbol of the renaissance Umuhu desperately needs. His humility, accomplishments, and unifying presence bring fresh hope. We pledge our full support to his reign,” Eze Nwokenna stated.
The official presentation was conducted Chief Kelechi Uwaoma and Chibuzo Anyaogu, alongside other elders and members of the Ezeship Committee, led Chief Adindu Nwakwuribe and Chief Chinedu Johnson. The gesture marked a turning point for the community, restoring a revered institution after years of leadership vacuum.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. John Onyema expressed deep appreciation to the people of Umuhu for the trust placed in him. He pledged to serve as a bridge between tradition and modern development, bringing progressive leadership to the kingdom.
“I am deeply humbled this great honour. I promise to be a servant leader—guided justice, inclusiveness, and the shared dreams of our people. Together, we shall restore the pride and greatness of Umuhu,” Dr. Onyema said.
Mayor Smart Iheoma, in his remarks, lauded the Eze-Elect’s distinguished profile, describing him as an outstanding leader whose track record will positively impact not just Umuhu, but the entire Umuahia North.
“Dr. Onyema is a gift to this generation. I have personally reviewed his professional and leadership journey and will be forwarding his profile to Governor Alex Otti. I have no doubt His Excellency will be excited to work with a man of such competence and honour,” the Mayor declared.
The occasion was witnessed an array of royal fathers from the Ohuhu traditional council, including Eze Charles Ngwuli (Chairman), HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, HRH Eze Paul Uzegbu, and HRH Eze Godswill Asomugha. Also present were High Chief Uche Aguoru, village heads of Amaogwugwu and Umungasi, the Secretary-General of Amaogwugwu Federated Union, Onyekachi Iteogu, and the secretary of Umungasi community.
The grand ceremony concluded with a cultural homecoming reception held at the market squares of Amaogwugwu and Umungasi. Traditional dances, blessings community elders, and jubilant celebrations marked the beginning of a new era for Umuhu Ancient Kingdom.
0-3968×2976-1-0-{}-0-12#
About the Author
