The people of Ajali Town, Orumba North Council of Anambra State has finally crowned HRH Emesinwa Nwosu VII as their new traditional ruler, 15 years after the stool had remained vacant.
Nwosu was the first son of the immediate past traditional ruler, Obinali Nwosu, who died 15 years ago.
With pomp and ceremony, the coronation, yesterday, at the Ogbuti-Uti palace in Ajali, by Prince Patrick Nwosu, the ‘Akakpa Ofor’ Ogbuti-Uti and eldest man of the ruling house, was witnessed by the heads of the four villages of Ajali, including Amagu, Omuabiama, Umueve and Obinikpa.
Speaking at the event, a prince of the palace, Chief Austin Nwosu, explained that the selection of Emesinwa by the ‘Ime-Obi Ogbuti Uti’ was the climax of the Ajali monarchical succession process, and that only his presentation to the community and government remained.
Nwosu said, “The plot to make the second son of the late Eze succeed him against Emesinwa, who was abroad, led to the delay of the succession process for 15 years.
“A court of competent jurisdiction had ruled in favour Ajali tradition of non-rotation of the stool and automatic transfer of staff to heir apparent of the reigning ruler. What has happened is the presentation of the selection made by Ime-Obi to the community.”
Chief Chukwunedum Enekwe said the presence of the heads of the four villages signified the endorsement by the gods of Ajali and prayed that their spirits would bless the new king and give the town a lasting peace and progress.
He expressed happiness that negative politics was not allowed to affect the succession process.
A princess of the palace, Mrs. Ellion Gbinijie, described the event as a pleasant end to long years of squabble.
“Ajali community had more crisis during the days of vacuum because some matters which would have been resolved by the Eze-in-Council were either taken to court or the police.
“We are happy in this palace because we have been able to instal the rightful successor to the throne. So, with a king now, there will be less court and police cases because the Eze-in-council has a very efficient and acceptable way of resolving disputes,” she added.
The new king said he would continue in the manner his ancestors ruled the community in their time, adding that he would yield himself to their spirit for guidance.
He called on the people of Ajali to support his reign and forgive one another for peace and progress of the community.
Eze Nwosu VII had his secondary education at Izzi High School Ebonyi State; and studied Mass Communication at Western Cape University, South Africa where he lived for three decades.
