Chief Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwankpu, father of Ebonyi state governor, Frank Nwifuru, was on Sunday crowned King of Oferekpe Agbaja Autonomous community in Izzi local government area of the state.
Nwakpu was coronated as the traditional ruler of the community comprising of 17 villages at the Oferekpe Agbaja primary school.
His coronation brought to the attention of the public his large household which comprised of 17 wives and 108 children which include the Ebonyi state governor.
According to report, history has it that Nwakpu did not marry early due to some unforeseen challenges of life.
Ebonyi state governor’s father and his wives
His motive to marry many wives was reportedly conceived when he felt that he was alone and was hated by the community.
Nwakpu’s emergence as the King of his community came under the heels of his son’s recent signing into law a document that allowed communities to appoint traditional rulers, paving the way for his father’s selection.
Speaking at the event, Chief Godwin Ogbaga, a former minister, described the installation of Nwifuru Nwankpu as the traditional ruler of the community as most commendable following his contributions to the societal development particularly in Izhi clan.
The newly crowned king’s family
Ogbaga, who was the chairman of the occasion, lauded the state governor’s encouragement of communities to independently choose their traditional rulers.
“His Excellency encouraged the communities to take necessary steps and to select suitably qualified persons as their traditional rulers.
“It is common knowledge that the community took necessary steps as advised and unanimously selected a man of great traditional experience, a man of honor and integrity and a man that possesses outstanding spirit of accomodation of people and anointed him for coronation,” he said.
Ezekiel Nwifuru’s sons
Ogbaga further commended Oferkpe Agbaja community’s decision by selecting Nwifuru to be the king.
He noted that traditional rulers are not political appointees and would hold their positions for life, as the custodian of customs and traditions.
He encouraged Nwakpu to continue with his peaceful disposition while on the throne to ensure rapid development of his communities.
