By Anselem Anokwute, Owerri

The Ihitteafoukwu Autonomous Community in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State was aglow with colour, culture, and celebration as it held a grand coronation ceremony for its new traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Eze Dr. Okwudiri Divine Nwandu, Akaraka III of Ihitteafoukwu Ancient Kingdom.

The well-attended event was a double celebration, marking not only the coronation of the monarch but also the annual Iriji (New Yam) Festival—a thanksgiving for a bountiful 2025 harvest. The festivities took place at the royal palace and drew crowds from across the state and beyond.

One of the major highlights was the traditional wrestling competition, which featured representatives from various villages within the Ihitteafoukwu Ancient Kingdom. Mr. Thaddeus Ononiwu emerged overall champion and was crowned Mr. Ihitteafoukwu 2025, receiving a cash prize of ₦700,000. Ebegbulem Peter came in second with ₦500,000, while Somtochukwu Enwerem and Chukwunenye Egwim clinched the third and fourth positions, taking home ₦300,000 and ₦200,000 respectively.

The wrestling event, supervised by Mr. Chika Umeyo (popularly known as Oka Mgba Imo), President of the Imo State Wrestling Association, was conducted in line with international standards. Primary health workers were on ground to ensure safety and manage any emergencies.

In his address, Eze Okwudiri Divine Nwandu emphasized the cultural importance of the inter-village wrestling competition, describing it as a tool for youth engagement, community cohesion, and crime prevention. He highlighted the need to revive cultural values that promote discipline, hard work, and peace.

“I want to reawaken the consciousness of our youth toward productive ventures and reduce involvement in drug abuse and criminality,” the monarch stated. He also pledged to introduce additional sporting and cultural initiatives to harness local talent and promote job creation within the community.

The monarch thanked the people of Ihitteafoukwu for their unity and support, promising to lead with humility, fairness, and a spirit of brotherhood, regardless of political or religious affiliations.

The event also reflected interfaith harmony, as dignitaries from various religious backgrounds joined in the celebration. Notably present was the Chief Imam of Imo State, Barr. Suleman Yusuf Njoku, a proud son of Ihitteafoukwu, alongside Alhaji Prince Bashir Uwakwe, President of the Imo State Muslim Community, and Imam Aminu Ahmed. They described Eze Nwandu as a God-sent leader—young, God-fearing, and compassionate—capable of bringing progress to the community.

Other prominent guests who spoke at the event included HRH Eze Samuel Ekezie (Eze Igbo of Accra, Ghana), Hon. Princess Doris Tony Anyanwu, Dr. Chinedu Anyanwu (Miri na Ezuroha I of Ihitteafoukwu), and Chief Nduka Okoro of Egberede Nguru. Also in attendance were Hon. Larry Chikwe, Executive Chairman of Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Chief Emeka Anyandu, Chief Francis Nzenwata, Hon. Val Echebelem, Chief Ugochukwu Angus Okoro (Agbara Mbaise), Chief Chima Onuoha, Chief Peter Dede, and Barr. Chidi Ojinere, Prince of Oil Kingdom, “the Joke is over”.

The cultural grandeur was elevated by performances from women’s dance troupes, Mbaise cultural groups, and music ensembles including Okunwa Mama and Ababa Nna. The event was compered by veteran broadcaster Chief Joe Ihioma of IBC Orient FM/TV (retired), who added his signature style and flair to the occasion.

With traditional leaders (Ndi Obi) of Ihitteafoukwu adorned in regal attire, the coronation of Eze Nwandu Akaraka III marked a historic milestone and set the tone for a renewed era of peace, unity, and cultural renaissance in Ihitteafoukwu Autonomous Community.

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
12- AUG- 2025

The Imo State Police Command Headquarters in Owerri witnessed a moment of celebration on Monday as the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aboki Danjuma, formally decorated the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, popularly known as “Tiger Base,” Oladimeji Adeyeyiwa, with his new rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

The elevation comes on the heels of Adeyeyiwa’s recent promotion by the Inspector-General of Police, a move the CP described as “a well-earned recognition for exceptional service and outstanding results in crime-fighting.” Danjuma noted that the officer’s tenure at the helm of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit had yielded remarkable achievements, including the arrest and detention of over 65 suspected kidnappers, whose ongoing investigations have been pivotal in tracking down other criminal elements.

While addressing concerns from certain quarters calling for the disbandment of Tiger Base, Danjuma firmly advised against it, instead urging for more resources, personnel, and tools to further strengthen its operations. He credited the unit with restoring calm to previously troubled communities, dismantling the sit-at-home enforcement in the state, and reclaiming areas once deemed unsafe before the last elections.

Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, praised Adeyeyiwa’s leadership, strategic approach, and dedication to public safety. The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the police with every necessary resource to sustain the fight against crime. Similarly, ACP Linus Nwaiwu, head of the IG X-Squad in Imo, lauded Adeyeyiwa’s professionalism, loyalty, and work ethic, predicting that he may clinch the prestigious Crime Buster Award for a third consecutive year.

In his remarks, ACP Adeyeyiwa expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General, the governor, and the CP for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to redouble his efforts in safeguarding lives and property across Imo State. Adeyeyiwa, who joined the Nigeria Police Force in August 2002, is already a two-time recipient of the Crime Buster of the Year award (2023 and 2024).

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has claimed that he did not offend President Bola Tinubu.