Peace returns to Udo as Eze Ohaeri is officially inducted into Ezinihitte Traditional Rulers’ Council
By Mary Ugorji
Joy and celebration filled the air in Udo Autonomous Community, in Imo State, as HRH Eze Ukachukwu Austen Ohaeri, Udo Abiaa V, was formally received into the prestigious Ezinihitte Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers. The grand ceremony marked the end of years of leadership tussle following the passing of the late Eze M.C. Ukaeje, Udo Abiaa IV, and heralded a new era of unity and progress for the ancient kingdom.
The event was held at the royal palace of HRH Eze Ukachukwu .A. Ohaeri last Thursday, and drew a powerful gathering of traditional and community leaders. Leading the traditional rulers was HRH Eze O.C. Nwokocha, Chairman of the Ezinihitte Traditional Rulers’ Council, all other Ezes in Ezinihitte Mbaise and the President-General of Udo Autonomous Community, Dr. Moses Okeahalam Ekeoma.
Also present were Nze na Ozo titleholders, High Chiefs, Double Chiefs, and a host of respected personalities from within and beyond Udo.
In his address, Eze Ukachukwu Austen Ohaeri expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support received from the people of Udo and the broader Ezinihitte Mbaise traditional institution. “I am filled with joy that Udo Kingdom is once again represented in the Council of Ndieze. I thank God Almighty for restoring peace to our land,” he stated.
Addressing the crowd, he appealed to all aggrieved individuals to embrace peace and unity. “To anyone who may still be bitter, I plead – let us lay down our swords and join hands to move Udo forward. I promise to lead with the fear of God and ensure inclusivity for the growth and development of our beloved community,” he said.
Eze Ukachukwu Ohaeri also extended appreciation to Governor Hope Uzodimma for facilitating the peace process and for granting him the official staff of office and certificate of recognition.
In a separate interview, Nze Bright Nwabueze Owukara of Umuofo Udo described the moment as a divine breakthrough. “To God be the glory, our kingdom is restored to its original state. With the governor’s recognition, going to court is unnecessary. We must now unite under our new Eze for the betterment of our land,” he asserted.
Dr. Moses Okeahalam Ekeoma, President-General of Udo Autonomous Community, expressed optimism for the future. “God has shown us mercy by giving us a king once again. I advise Eze Austen to treat all as his own and work inclusively. I believe he is equal to the task, and in due time, all things will fall into pleasant place.”
High Chief Josiah Ukaegbu, Nwataeze I, Eziokwu Bu Ndu of Udo Ancient Kingdom, highlighted the cultural significance of the community. “Udo is the symbolic root of Ezinihitte, a place of early European contact. Our wait for a leader is finally over. Today, we celebrate God’s faithfulness.”
Other notable voices who echoed their support for the traditional ruler and joy at the event include Nze Augusten Ibenaeche (Okunyo Awucheoku I), Hon. Nze Jude Nwachukwu (Okpe Udo I), Chief Nze David Umunna (the Opara Udo 1 of Udo), Uwalaka S.O (Ebubedike I), Nze Barr. Chika Ebiringa (Omeudo I), Nduidokwim Daniel Owuka (Chikwadoro I), Chief Clement Ekeke (Agharandu Kpaku I of Mbaise) Chief Uwalaka S. O. ( Ebubedike 1), and Double Chief Jeophry Ahunna (Ihe One of Ezinihitte and Chinaemeze II of Udo), among others.
They all thanked God and prayed for a future of unity, progress, and prosperity under the reign of HRH Eze Austen Ukachukwu Ohaeri, the Udo Abiaa V.
