The Governor of Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria, has crowned his father, Chief Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwankpu, the traditional ruler of Oferekpe Agbaja Autonomous Community in Izzi Local Government Area of the state.
According to reports, the newly crowned traditional ruler married 30 wives before those who could not bear children left the marriage.
However, by the time of the coronation, 17 wives are currently living with Ezeogo Nwankpu Nwifuru.
The traditional ruler, who is a well known farmer, gave birth to total of 108 children from the 17 wives. Including Governor Francis Nwifuru, who is from the fourth wife, Vanguard reported.
“Out of the 108 children, 21 are graduates who were singlehandedly trained in institution of higher learning by their mothers, the governor inclusive.
By his coronation, Ezeogo Nwankpu will be superintending over 17 villages. This is even as he had been decorated as the Chibugo 1 of Oferekpe Agbaja Autonomous Community. Oferekpe Agbaja was caved out from Agbaja Community in Izzi Local Government Area of the State by the Governor.
Presenting the certificate and staff of office to his father, Ezeogo Nwankpu, the Governor noted that it was done in line with the law. Nwifuru said the law establishing Ebonyi State Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Cap 146 empowers him to coronate his father.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Nwifuru went down memory lane to state how the family suffered dejection, intimidation and molestation in the hands of the villagers.
Nwifuru stated the villagers killed his uncles at the village square, and later forcefully acquired their land.
He said, “The land in question is now the primary schools where my father’s coronation took place – Oferekpe Agbaja Primary School II.
Nwifuru described his father as a hard-working man. He pointed out that his father got married to 30 wives. But regretted that some of them left because they could not bear any child for the family.
Giving reasons why his father married 30 wives, Governor Nwifuru said his father was once humiliated by his relatives. He stated that both the neighbourhoods, and the entire community hated him because he was excelling above his equals due to his prospering farming business.
According to the Governor, it was based on the maltreatment or intimidation by the villagers that isolated his father.
Ezeogo Nwifuru and his 17 wives
Situations that made him to marrying many wives for companionship. And also, for helping hands in pursuit of his dreams as a wealthy farmer.
He said, “My father is a loving father and husband, who takes care of all his children and wives.
“All his wives and children work hard to train themselves in school. And that is why we have 25 graduates in my family. Who struggled to train themselves with the efforts of their mothers.”
Performing the coronation, the Governor advised his father to remain generous with his subjects. And to ensure peace and unity reign in the Community. To be just in discharging his duties as traditional ruler without being vindictive.
And above all to reign in God’s direction and motivation.
The Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Power, Chief Godwin Ogbaga, described the installation as commendable.
He pointed out that Eze Nwifuru Nwankpu deserved the traditional rulership of his community considering his contributions to societal development, particularly in the Izhi clan.
Ogbaga stated that the credit for Ezeogo Nwankpu’s coronation goes to his son, who is currently the State Governor.
He added that Governor Francis Nwifuru created an enabling environment for the exercise by signing into law the document creating the communities as demanded and approved.
Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion included the former Governors of the State, Dr. Sam Egwu, Chief Martin Elechi and Senator David Umahi.
Others included the three Senators and six House of Representatives members representing the State at National Assembly.
Members of the State Executives Council, Local Government Chairmen, Coordinators and other government appointees, were in attendance.
source: Vanguard
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