Enugu Community Crowns Retired Police DIG as New Traditional Ruler
The Uhueze-Nenwe community in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State has crowned a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Godwin-Chijioke Nwobodo, as its new traditional ruler, ending a nine-year vacancy in the community’s traditional leadership.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nwobodo, who served as DIG in charge of Zone 7, Abuja covering Kaduna and Niger states as well as the Federal Capital Territory was crowned on Saturday at the Girls High School field in Nenwe. He is also a Fellow of the National Defence College (FDC).
Nwobodo succeeds the late Igwe Emmanuel Nwachukwu, who passed away nine years ago, a period during which the community had remained without a substantive traditional ruler.
The coronation ceremony attracted a large gathering of community members, traditional leaders from neighbouring communities, friends, and well-wishers, who came to witness what many described as a landmark moment in the history of Uhueze-Nenwe.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee and Execution, Joseph Orji, a retired group captain, described the occasion as “historic and glorious.”
“Today, we witness history, a day that binds the proud heritage of our forefathers with the hopes and aspirations of a new generation,” Orji said. “The coronation of Nwobodo is not merely a ceremony; it is a reaffirmation of our collective identity, a symbol of unity, and a renewal of our commitment to peace and development.”
He expressed confidence that the new traditional ruler’s background in security and leadership would contribute positively to peace, stability and progress in the community.
In his acceptance, the new monarch thanked the community for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to lead with fairness, inclusiveness and respect for tradition. He also promised to work with stakeholders to promote unity, security and development in Uhueze-Nenwe.
The coronation marked the climax of traditional rites and celebrations, featuring cultural displays, dances and prayers for a peaceful and prosperous reign. Community leaders said they hoped the new reign would usher in a new era of cohesion and accelerated development for Uhueze-Nenwe.
