Culture

Enugu govt recognizes new traditional ruler for Ogugu Community after 25years vacancy

Published

1 year ago

April 25, 2025

Enugu State recognizes Igwe Aloysius Ogbonna as new ruler of Ogugu after 25-year vacancy, promising development and peace

The Enugu State Government, under the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has officially presented a certificate of recognition to Igwe Aloysius Chigozie Ogbonna as the traditional ruler-elect of the Ogugu Ntu-Egbenese Ancient Kingdom in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Also read: Enugu State nominates four historic sites for UNESCO world heritage status

The presentation ceremony took place on Thursday at the Enugu State Ministry of Rural Development, Local Government Matters and Chieftaincy Affairs in Enugu.

This event marks a significant milestone for the Ogugu community, which has been without a traditional ruler for over 25 years following the passing of their former Igwe, Late Godwin Ochi, in 1999.

Presenting the certificate on behalf of the State Government, the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, expressed his joy at the community finally having a traditional leader, anticipating a new era of peace for Ogugu.

He announced that the Staff of Office would be conferred upon Igwe Ogbonna on Friday in the community, urging the new monarch to uphold good character and respect the laws of the land, as failure to do so could result in the withdrawal of his recognition and Staff of Office.

I am happy, not just for me but the entire Ogugu. On behalf of Ogugu people, I thank Gov. Mbah that after 25 years, we now have a king to rule Ogugu. I have a dream to see that Ogugu will know that they have an Igwe. I’ll attract investors that will invest in Ogugu and give jobs to our youths by building industries,” said Igwe Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna Jnr.

Deacon Ogbodo stated, “I am glad to have you here on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on this historic occasion. For the past 25 years, Ogugu community had no leadership…

His Excellency, the Governor, has approved your recognition as the traditional ruler of Ogugu Ntu-Egbenese Ancient Kingdom. And this approval took effect from the 26th of March, 2025.”

Receiving the certificate, Igwe Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna Jnr. expressed his profound happiness and reiterated his commitment to bringing development and investment to his community, emphasizing his role as a servant leader.

He thanked Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for ensuring a transparent electoral process and pledged the community’s support to his administration. Igwe Ogbonna also acknowledged the efforts of the State Ministry in bridging the gap between rural communities and the government.

Elected on January 14, 2025, after securing 867 votes, Igwe Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna Jnr. will receive his Staff of Office and the Ọfọ Ntu-Egbenese on Friday, formally becoming the leader of the Ntu-Egbenese clan, which encompasses over 32 communities and holds a significant place in Enugu State’s history.

Up Next

Oyo state to host inaugural Adire Expo to boost economy, cultural tourism

Don't Miss

Osun State advocates for enhanced cultural exchange with Brazil

Click to comment

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”