History was made on Saturday,4th January 2025 at Afikpo, as a retired Investigator, Public Complaint Commission, Patrick Oko Agha was crowned the Traditional Ruler of Afikpo Autonomous Community with pomp and pageantry.
The Royal father who retired in 2019 after putting in 30 years in the Public Complaints Commission served as Area Officer in Orlu, Okigwe, Afikpo, Ohaozara, Ivo and finally HOD superintending all Area Offices in Ebonyi State.
As expected , Afikpo was at standstill as notable personalities thronged the City for his coronation ceremony which took place at Amaizu, his Country home.
Several dancing troupes and celebrities from the entertainment industry were present to add glamour to the momentous occasion.
Shortly after, the Kingmakers performed the traditional rites marking the formal coronation of Ezeogo Patrick Oko Agha as IZUEGU II of Afikpo Autonomous Community, he was formally presented to the public, an action that elicited thunderous ovations and popular acclamation.
At that point, the entire environment around the venue and the adjoining roads were electrifying as people surged forward to catch a glimpse of the new monarch and his beloved wife, Ugoeze Beatrice Chi Agha who were accompanied by other Traditional Rulers and Cabinet members to the venue of the reception where a mammoth crowd were waiting joyfully.
Addressing the crowd, the Governor of Ebonyi state,His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru who was ably represented by the Executive Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, NWACHI, Timothy A. U congratulated Ezeogo Patrick Oko AGHA on his ascendancy to the throne of Izuegu and urged him to initiate impressive programmes that will bring sustainable peace, unity and development to his domain.
In an address, the new Traditional Ruler thanked Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for the honor done to his people by issuing staff of office to him and promised to use his position to foster peace and development in his Kingdom.
The Royal Father who advocated for the upgrading and recognition of Autonomous Communities in Nigeria as the 4th tier of Government to fast track grassroots development, promised to pursue vigorously priority programmes which include; Social Capital Formation; Community Economic Development; Political Participation Development; Non Violent Direct Action; Economic Sustainable Development; Faith Based Community Development; Community Empowerment and Community Capacity Building.
Earlier in a remark, a first class graduate of UNN and illustrious Son of the Community, Dr Mark Abani who was the Chairman of the occasion expressed delight on the emergence of a new traditional ruler who will continue the good works of his predecessor. He called on all to support him and prayed that his reign will be peaceful and prosperous.
In a vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Central Planning Committee and Chairman,Publicity Sub Committee, Sir Dom Isute appreciated the numerous guests that graced the event and wished them journey mercies to their various destinations.
The colorful ceremony which was well organized featured Confernment of Chieftaincy titles to some personalities who distinguished themselves in the scheme of things. Some of the recipients of the Chieftaincy tiles were; Afikpo Council Chairman,NWACHI, Timothy A. U (Udo-bu- Ihe); Barr Oby Oko Enyim( Nwanyi-bu-Ihe); Maj. Gen. Augustine Oko,PhD(Ochi-Agha-Eha- Oha-Ji- Eje-Mba); Engr Ibru Nwachi Ogbonnia) (Nwachi-Mere-Eze); Lolo Doris Nwachi(Nne-Oma); Chief Ogbonnia Okogwu(Mmasioha); Dr Vincent Abani (Ochi-Oha); Chief Donatus Odii Njoku (Enyi-Oha)); Barr. Michael Njoku(Ezi-Enyi); Comrade Azubuike Enya(Aka-Ekpuchi-Onwa; Engr. Dr Victor Otu Ezeali (Aka-Nyere-Aku); Hon. Amauche Otunta Godwin (Opuruiche-na-Nwanyi); Chief Ojim Ifeanyi Chukwu(Nwata-Eze -Nekiri); Chief Paddock Patrick Otuu Oko(Uko-Nwangbeyi); Chief Ricky Okorouka(Enyi-Daari-Oha)
The event which started with an opening prayer said by the former Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, came to a glorious end with a closing prayer said by Barrister Greg. Azubuike.
Long Live His Highness,Ezeogo Patrick Oko Agha. May your days be long and your reign be successful.
