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.