HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu Celebrates Staff of Office After 22 Years
Monday, April 1, 2024 was a historic day in Ugwu autonomous community, Nkpa, Bende local government area of Abia State.
The joy of the people knew no bounds as they converged on Ugwu Nkpa Primary School Field, Awu in their numbers to witness the coronation ceremony of their first traditional ruler, HRH Eze Hon. Princewill Chima Onyegbu (JP) after 22 years.
HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu was unanimously nominated as Eze-elect of Ugwu autonomous community in 2002 and presented to Ugwu Nkpa autonomous community in March 2002 and later to Bende local government council for onward presentation to the ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs, Abia State.
But when he came to collect his staff of office that year, the former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (MON) appealed to him and the entire community to allow HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu to serve the state before collecting his staff of office and they accepted.
After Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu’s tenure, Chief T. A. Orji came on board and appealed to them to allow HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu to continue to serve the state under him. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu also made the same appeal to him when he mounted the saddle.
But in May, 2023, his people told Hon. P. C. Onyegbu that it is time to pick his staff of office having spent 22 years as Eze-elect of Ugwu autonomous community, Nkpa. That singular decision culminated in his magnificent coronation.
The epoch-making ceremony took place under the distinguished chairmanship of former Commissioner for Agriculture, Abia State, Hon. Chief Joseph Chukwu Ogwo (Ugwumba 1 of Item) while HRM Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu, Chairman, Abia North Council of Traditional Rulers and third Deputy Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers was the Royal Father of the Day.
The attendance was unprecedented. Friends, well-wishers, schoolmates, traditional rulers, notable politicians, captains of industry, top government officials, legislators (past and present), the clergy and others came from far and near to rejoice with HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu in his moment of joy and splendour.
His schoolmates and political associates were not left out. All Saints Old Boys Association, Aba, University of Ife Alumni Association and Abia State Legislators Assembly led by the chairman, Rt. Hon. Emeka Stanley turned out in their numbers to identify with one of their own.
The ceremony commenced with a brief worship session conducted by Rt. Rev. Dr. James Alozie Anyanwu (JP), Bishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Uzuakoli.
He congratulated HRH Eze Hon. Princewill Chima Onyegbu on his coronation and appreciated him for choosing the way of God adding that God honours those who honour Him.
He declared that his reign would bring peace, righteousness, fairness, equity and justice leaving behind a legacy, which would be long remembered.
In his sermon titled, “What pulled down the mighty is strong” (Ihe kwadara dike di ike), Bishop James Alozie Anyanwu urged HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu to avoid the pitfall that led to the downfall of some kings of Israel like Saul, David and Solomon adding that the kingdom of every king that fears God, keeps His commandment and accepts his will endures.
He prayed God to grant him wisdom so that his reign would endure and enable him to do something different.
At the end of his sermon, he consecrated his throne and handed over his reign into the hand of God.
Thereafter, the ceremony progressed swiftly from one stage to another.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Hon. Chief Joseph Chukwu Ogwo thanked God for making the long-awaited ceremony a reality.
He commended the people of Ugwu autonomous community, Nkpa for their inexhaustible patience over the years and urged them to sustain their support for HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu adding that he would not disappoint them.
The former Commissioner for Agriculture, Abia State described HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu as his very good friend, a consummate philanthropist, a renowned politician, a go-getter and a lover of all and sundry.
He assured him of his total support at all times and prayed God to grant him a peaceful reign.
In their welcome addresses the chairman of the coronation committee, Sir Dr. Chief Emmanuel O. Okparanta and the President General of Ugwu autonomous community, Chief Amaechi Isaac Ikenyirimba described the coronation of their traditional ruler after twenty-two years as historic and thanked the people for their long patience and love.
They expressed profound gratitude to God for keeping them alive to witness the landmark event. They described their traditional ruler, HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu as a good man and expressed confidence that he would take the community to greater height.
They appreciated all those who graced the occasion for their love and wished them safe journey back to their various destinations.
In his address, HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu thanked God for keeping him alive to celebrate his coronation as the first traditional ruler of Ugwu autonomous community after a very long time adding that by the grace of God the community would witness tremendous development with the support of all and sundry.
He commended his people for choosing him as their traditional ruler as well as their uncommon patience and urged them to continue to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
He appreciated all those who graced the occasion for their love and solidarity and wished them safe journey back to their various destinations.
The ceremony featured presentation of chieftaincy titles on well deserving individuals including the immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, Hon. Chief Joseph Chukwu Ogwo, High Chief Bobby Orji, Chief Ononogbu Kingsley, Dr. Emenike Okoro as well as paying of homage and presentation of gifts to HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu by various groups and individuals from far and near.
Speaking after receiving his own chieftaincy title, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu appreciated his friend and former colleague in the Abia State House of Assembly, HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu, other traditional rulers present and the entire people of Ugwu autonomous community for the honour done him.
Sir Ude Oko Chukwu said that the chieftaincy title would ginger him to support HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu in transforming Ugwu autonomous community, Nkpa and wished him a peaceful reign.
On his part, a United States of America-based resident and illustrious son of Nkpa, High Chief Bobby Oji described the “Enyi Oha 1 of Ugwu autonomous community
conferred on him as well deserved pointing out that he has contributed immensely to the development of Ugwu autonomous community.
He said that the chieftaincy title would ginger him to do more for the community adding that he is ever ready to assist them in times of need whenever they call on him.
The elated President of Bende in Michigan State, USA described HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu as a very good man and expressed optimism that he would fare well as the traditional ruler of Ugwu autonomous community.
He said that HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu has been his friend for over forty years and advised him to be honest with his people and impartial to be able to resolve issues amicably.
Contributing, Hon. High Chief Uche Ogboso, the immediate past Campaign Director General of APC, Abia State in the 2023 election described the coronation of HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu as the traditional ruler of Ugwu autonomous community as a very good development.
He described him as a very good man, renowned community leader and a notable politician. He commended his people for their long patience and expressed optimism that he would use his powerful connection within the corridors of power to attract dividends of democracy to his community.
He advised him to continue with the way he has been doing things and relating with people which made his people to choose him as their traditional ruler.
He prayed God to grant him more wisdom in piloting the affairs of his community.
At the end, all roads led to HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu’s Palace for an unforgettable reception.
The ceremony was a huge success and attracted the presence of prominent personalities from far and near including the immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu and his wife, Hon. Peter Aguomba, Barr. Ukpai Ukairo, Prof. Philip Nto, Hon. Ukwu Rocks Emma, Hon. Longman Nwachukwu, Orji Chukwu (Iroko), Hon. Obinna Ekekwe, Hon. Emmanuel Ndubuisi, member representing Bende South State Constituency, Hon. Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, Mayor, Bende local government area among others.
HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu (JP) attended Ugwu Nkpa Community School, All Saints Secondary School, Aba and University of Ife, now, Obafemi Awolowo University.
He is a notable politician in Abia State. In 1997 he contested for the State House of Assembly election and won but it was aborted following the death of General Sani Abacha.
In 1999, the state government appointed him the General Manager, Abia Rubber Company and within few years he was appointed the President, National Association of Agricultural Employers’ and Allied Union as well as Chairman, Nigerian Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) on Agriculture.
Within this period, he represented agricultural unions in the Nigeria Employers Consultative Assembly (NECA) and also selected as a member of the agricultural delegates to the presidency, which led to the introduction of loan facilities of farmers.
In 2007, Hon. P. C. Onyegbu contested for Bende South State Constituency and won landslide. He attracted so many projects to Nkpa such as construction of the community market at Ugwu Nkpa in partnership with FADAMA.
He also facilitated the construction of Ugwu Nkpa Primary School at Awu, Ugwu Nkpa through ASUBEB as well as construction of Ugwu Nkpa Secondary School through the Poverty Reduction Agency among others.
He also attracted numerous employment opportunities for the youth and empowered so many of his constituents. As a result of his unprecedented philanthropism he was nicknamed the ‘Man that Cares’.
While in the House of Assembly he headed various house committees such as public petition, agriculture, ethics, privileges and finance.
In his second tenure, he was elected the Leader of Abia State House of Assembly and later the Leader.
After his two tenures in the State House of Assembly, he was appointed the Deputy Presidential Coordinator for the election of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in Abia State.
He was later appointed the Abia State Deputy Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). After the demise of the state chairman of PDP, Sir Johnson Onuigbo (Akinbod), Hon. P. C. Onyegbu was asked to take over as the acting state chairman of the party and after sometime he supervised a seamless election that produced Rt. Hon. Allwell Asiforo Okere as the substantive state chairman of the party.
In 2019, he was appointed the TC Chairman of Bende local government area. Within that brief period, he constructed the Amoji Imenyi bridge and graded many roads in the area.
HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu is married to Pastor Ugoeze Clare Chioma Onyegbu (JP), a licensed Minister of the Foursquare Gospel Church and assistant pastor of Foursquare Gospel Church, Umuahia District Headquarters where the family worships.
In this chat with newsmen, HRH Eze Hon. P. C. Onyegbu (JP) bares his mind on his coronation among other sundry issues. Excerpts.
HRH, congratulations on your successful coronation.
Thank you.
Let us meet you.
I am HRH Eze Princewill Chima Onyegbu (JP). I am the traditional ruler of Ugwu autonomous community, Nkpa in Bende local government area of Abia State.
How do you feel to be crowned as the Ugwu Neche Mba I of Ugwu autonomous community, Nkpa?
People should not struggle for ‘Ezeship’. They should allow the will of the people to prevail. I was made Eze in 2002. I have been Eze-elect since then and throughout this period any government in the state that came on board would want me to serve the state. Under Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (MON), I served as the Chief Executive Officer of Abia Rubber as the interim Manager of Abia Palm. They said that Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu was the person who took my staff of office the day I came to take it at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia saying that it has to remain in Government House, Umuahia till I finish serving the state. My community appealed to him and he told them to wait. That is why they nicknamed me Eze Government House. After him, Chief T. A. Orji repeated the same thing. I served under Chief T. A. Orji and he said I should hold Abia State for him. I was made the Deputy Leader of the State House of Assembly and later the Leader. I was in the State House of Assembly for eight years. When I came out, I was somewhere rejoicing with my people when Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration came on board and said I should come and bring peace and unity to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. So I became the interim manager of the PDP and we organized a seamless election that brought in Allwell Asiforo Okere as the state chairman of the party. Imagine what is happening to PDP today. Leadership is the ability to accommodate every person. So invariably, what I am saying is that if you love your people, your people will definitely love you. However, that does not mean that every person would love you but at least those who do not love you would be silenced. You saw what happened in the field today. That is how it should be after 22 years. They are happy. That is exactly what I want to say.
What should your people expect from you, henceforth?
I have always had mentors. I have one from Anambra State. I will not call his name. But he came in as I came in and he had a lot of prospects of being everything in the political terrain but his people called him to come and serve them and some people thought he was stupid by dumping his brighter prospects in politics to come and serve his people. But he ignored them, came back and unleashed his remarkable vision for his people. When he ascended the throne, their road was the worst road in Anambra State. But today, it is the best road in the state. So, I am sure in the next five to ten years when you come to Ugwu autonomous community, Nkpa, you may not know it. You would be surprised.
Some people believe that some aspects of traditional rulership are still fetish. Are you not worried about this perception as a Christian?
This is a very important question and I do not want you to edit it. You see in ancient times people go through secret cult initiation but for me in 2002 when my people called me to come and serve them, I, my family and the entire community said that we must serve God only. We removed all the shrines and I said if any shrine has power, let it come and kill me. We do not have shrine anywhere in my community today. Two, before this ceremony, the General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church came and anointed me as the traditional ruler of Ugwu autonomous community. He said that the first throne he anointed was that of the Olu of Warri while my own is the second. So, the one Bishop James Alozie Anyanwu (JP), Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Uzuakoli did here today has already been done by our church. We came in here with all the pastors in this community and anointed my throne. Yesterday, all the elders representing all the blocs in Nkpa came and knelt down here and called on the name of God, not the Devil or any other evil spirit. My wife is a pastor, at least she was there watching. Seeing men-elderly people kneeling down before this throne and pouring anointing and everything here and today the Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria has come to add to it. I have gone through several anointings. First, I told you how my district general overseer came and anointed my throne, followed by the pastors in my community and the elders who came and knelt down asking God to protect me and my throne. And today, the Bishop of Methodist Church did the same thing. When I was anointed king, all the elders in this community came and knelt down and placed this cap on my head in 2002. So, what we are only celebrating today is my staff of office. That is why I carried it.
What is your advice to your community?
No traditional would live forever. What will live forever is your legacy. When it gets to my turn I must die. So, I must stick to the truth and have a vision of where I am taking my community. That is why I said in the next five or ten years our people would witness remarkable development in our community by the grace of God.
