— Pastor Okeze, Uwolo Nwaenie, Ikwele, Bishop Okonkwo, others grace historic ceremony
By: Ike Philip Abiagom- Newsbreeze
The ancient town of Igbuzo, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, came alive on Saturday, February 7, 2026, as culture, royalty and tradition converged for the colourful coronation of High Chief Charles Ositadinma Okonkwo as the Odogwu of Igbuzo.
The historic ceremony, which attracted dignitaries from across the country, was held at the Obuzor Palace, Igbuzo, where the revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Louis Chelunor Nwoboshi, formally installed the new Odogwu, performing all rites that conferred on him the official symbol of authority and royal recognition.
The installation marked the grand finale of a week-long programme organised to usher in the Odogwu, as Igbuzo witnessed a rare display of unblemished culture, rich tradition, music and celebration.
Observers described the event as a defining moment in the history of the kingdom, especially following the successful resolution of earlier traditional misunderstandings, paving the way for a transparent, orderly and culturally compliant selection process that produced High Chief Okonkwo.
Speaking before transferring the symbol of Odogwu authority, Obi Nwoboshi recalled the painstaking consultations and screening that led to Okonkwo’s emergence, describing him as the most qualified and deserving among the contenders.
The monarch expressed confidence that the new Odogwu would advance the peace, unity and progress of the Igbuzo Kingdom, urging him to discharge his responsibilities with wisdom and humility.
In his acceptance speech, Odogwu Charles Ositadinma Okonkwo thanked his Royal father, Obuzor of Igbuzo, Senior Diokpa of Igbuzo, Onowu Paul Ijeh, Uwolo Igbuzo, Amaechi Nwaenie, Ikwele Igbuzo, Chief Celestine Okafor, Pastor Idowu Okeze, Chief Innocent Esewezie, the traditional council, Ndi Eze Igbuzo for what he described as a peaceful, credible and transparent process. He appealed to other contenders and stakeholders to join hands with him in building a stronger and more prosperous Igbuzo.
The new Odogwu pledged to pursue inclusive leadership, peace-building initiatives and forward-looking policies aimed at infrastructural development, humanitarian service and the promotion of Igbuzo’s cultural heritage.
“I will uphold and defend the customs, traditions and values of the Igbuzo Kingdom, while fostering unity among our people and residents,” he assured.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, Onowu Osy Nwadei, said the people of Igbuzo had waited patiently for the historic moment.
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We are proud to present to the world what Igbuzo truly represents. This coronation is a launchpad for the development of our ancestral home,” he said in a statement made available to journalists.
Delivering a goodwill message, Pastor Idowu Daniel Okeze, the founder, Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation congratulated the new Odogwu and wished him a peaceful, fruitful and impactful reign.
“As an accomplished security expert, Igbuzo is primed for a transformative Security era under his leadership.
The Umueze and Otu-Odogwu made no mistake in this selection. The traditional structure of Igbuzo has now been properly reset in line with our heritage,” Pastor Okeze said, praying for divine grace, good health and longevity for the new Odogwu.
The coronation further reinforced peace, unity and order in Igbuzo, affirming the community’s commitment to structured leadership, respect for tradition and collective progress.
With all rites duly observed and authority properly aligned, Igbuzo moves forward stronger, united and peaceful, with leadership firmly rooted in tradition and guided by wisdom.
The event was graced by notable personalities, including the Uwolo of Ibusa, Uwolo Amaechi Nwaenie, Ikwele Celestine Okafor, Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, Chief Tony Azuya, Commander Donatus Ikemefuna, Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia , Sir. Gilbert Okonji, Hon. Henry Mordi, SSA to the Governor of Delta State, Hon. Onyeisi Okeze, Osodi Igbuzo, Hon. Joseph Ijeh,Chief Austin Ndinwa (Okenmili), Hon. Leo Nkeaka, the Odogwu of Illah, traditional rulers from neighbouring communities, and several other dignitaries.
Guests were entertained by renowned music maestro Ogbogu Okonji (OGB), while the event was expertly anchored by a team of seasoned Masters of Ceremony led by Emma Amatokwu (Major) and Vincent Ollimah.