By Akuma Ebere
History was made on Saturday, January 3, 2026, as HRH Igwe Ifeanyi Benson Okonkwo (Ezeobidigbo), Anamanalike IV, was coronated as the traditional ruler of Ichi Kingdom, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The colourful coronation ceremony, held at the Igwe’s Palace, Umuezeabu Village, Ichi, attracted dignitaries from across the state and beyond, marking a significant new chapter in the annals of the ancient kingdom.
The atmosphere was charged with emotion as the people of Ichi intermittently shed tears of joy, celebrating the continuity of their revered royal lineage.
Igwe Ifeanyi Benson Okonkwo, the eldest son of the late HRH Igwe Lawrence Nwafor Okonkwo (Anamanalike III), was unanimously endorsed by the kingdom to succeed his father, in line with tradition.
Speaking shortly after his coronation, the monarch expressed profound gratitude to his people for the confidence reposed in him, describing the moment as both humbling and historic.
“I have always looked forward to this moment with anticipation and enthusiasm because it has set the stage for a transformative era in the community’s history and indeed the state and the nation at large,” he said.
“I am awed and humbled by the trust and confidence placed in me by my people and I assure the good people of Ichi Kingdom that I will faithfully and diligently discharge my duties.”
The new Igwe pledged to pursue inclusive leadership and initiate community development programmes aimed at improving the living standards of the people.
“As traditional ruler, I will adopt an inclusive leadership style to give everyone a sense of belonging and foster the socio-economic development of the community,” he added.
He also thanked Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for his support and appealed for government intervention in the reconstruction of key roads in the community, including Ụmụnandụ, Ọka and Ụmụdiagu, as well as the rehabilitation of the dilapidated Ichi General Hospital.
Representing Governor Soludo at the event, the Mayor of Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Hon. Chimezie Obi, commended the people of Ichi Kingdom for respecting tradition by allowing the rightful heir ascend the throne.
He urged the community to continue to support their new monarch and the state government, assuring them that the Soludo administration has good intentions for Ichi Kingdom and its traditional ruler.
A major highlight of the coronation was the conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished personalities. Among them was the Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Sir Dr. Ofodeme Ikenna, who was honoured with the prestigious title “Duru Ezechukwukwadolu Owelle of Ichi Kingdom.”
In his remarks, Hon. Ofodeme described the title as a call to deeper responsibility and service.
“This title is not just a recognition but a call to greater service to stand as a pillar of truth, leadership, and progress for our people. I am deeply humbled,” he said.
He praised the new monarch as “a king ordained by grace, equipped with wisdom, and driven by a genuine love for his people,” noting that the coronation signals a fresh era of unity, peace and development for Ichi Kingdom.
Several prominent sons of the soil also took turns to extol the virtues of the new Igwe and called for unity and support for his reign.
Chief Sir Ernest Elochukwu (Ichie Eze Enyibeya, Eze Udemba na Ichi) described the monarch’s emergence as divine, urging the youths to rally behind him.
“Our Igwe is a man with a pure heart, deeply rooted in tradition and guided by integrity. His ascension is a blessing to Ichi,” he said.
Similarly, Prof. Eugene Okoye Nwadialor (Ichie Ogidi Ichi, Ugobelunoji) noted that the coronation represents a bridge between Ichi’s rich heritage and a promising future, while Dr. Somtochukwu Ndubueze Okeke (Ogbuefi Okanzekpe), Chairman of Odinana Ichi, emphasized cultural preservation and unity.
In separate interviews, guests and subjects alike expressed confidence that Igwe Ifeanyi Benson Okonkwo possesses the character, reputation and vision required to bring lasting peace and transformation to Ichi Kingdom.
As the drums rolled and traditional rites were concluded, one message resonated across the ancient town: a new king has risen, and with him, renewed hope for Ichi Kingdom.
