Crown Prince of Umudioka Ancient Kingdom Expresses Gratitude for Support During Monarch’s 83rd Birthday & 43rd Coronation Anniversary

The Crown Prince of Umudioka Ancient Kingdom in Orlu LGA, Imo State, Prince Chidi Obiefule, has extended heartfelt appreciation to dignitaries, traditional rulers, and guests who honoured the twin celebration of his father, His Royal Majesty Eze Dr. Thomas Obiefule, the Okairuro I, Okwara-Akabueze II, and Ezekaibeya of Umudioka Ancient Kingdom, on the occasion of his 83rd birthday and 43rd coronation anniversary.

In an official statement from the palace, the Crown Prince described the event as a resounding success, attributing it to the outpouring of love and support received from across Imo State and beyond.

He specially acknowledged the support of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Dr. Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State and Vanguard’s 2025 Best Infrastructure Governor of the Year, whose representation and goodwill message—delivered by Her Excellency, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Deputy Governor of Imo State—greatly enriched the celebration. The Governor, through his message, praised the monarch’s legacy of leadership and prayed for his continued good health and long life.

The event attracted prominent personalities such as HRM Eze Dr. Emma E.C. Okeke (Eze Imo), CFR, Chairman, South East and Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Rev. Fr. Gilbert Alaribe, Chaplain of Government House Chapel, and Chief Mrs. Rubby Emele, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who was commended for her dedication and early presence.

Other dignitaries are; Distinguished Senator Osita Izunaso, who received a chieftaincy title, Barr. Rex Anunobi, Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Investment, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, a prominent politician, Sir Benneth Chukwuemeka Nwokejiobi and his wife, Hon. Lady Dr. Uju Nwokejiobi, were both honoured with chieftaincy titles. While Hon. Chief Ferdinand Uzodimma (Osisogo), Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Lazarus Gogoteh Nteogwuile, former Andoni LGA Chairman, Rivers State, Amb. Joshua Osetimehin, Commandant General, Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), Prince George Alani Thomas, CEO, Euro Securite Privee, Paris and Euro Secu Ltd, London (UK), and Engr. Atauyo Emmanuel Ntuk, Real Estate Developer and Community Leader, were recognized and honoured.

The event also honoured media personality such as: Ms. Ify Onyegbule, FCAI, FIOGR, DG, Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), and peace advocate, HRH Alh. Dr. Nura Shettima, Sarkin Lardin Jahohin Yamma, Chairman, Arewa United for Peace Foundation, Owerri.

A key highlight of the day was the traditional breaking of kolanut which was formally presented by Crown Prince Chidi Obiefule to HRM Eze Dr. Obiefule, with HRM Eze Dr Emmanuel E C Okeke, CFR (Eze Imo) who offered prayers for the continued good health and reign of the Monarch. Traditional rulers present equally praised the Monarch for his decades of commitment to peace, tradition, and community development.

While other highpoint were the 83rd birthday cake which was ceremoniously cut under the coordination of Chief Mrs. Emele and supervised by Hon. Chief Mrs. Ifeoma Ndukwu, former IMC Chairman of Orlu LGA. The event also featured the conferment of over a dozen traditional titles on notable individuals from Umudioka. Even as community leaders from Orlu Zone such as: Hon. Chief Pastor Chris Mbarie, Executive Chairman, Orlu LGA, HRH Eze Samson Mbakwe Okwudinma, House Member, the House Member Representing Orlu State Constituency, Dr. Barr Ikenna Ihezuo, HRH Eze Dr. Goodluck Obi, Chairman, Orlu LGA Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Omekanna, Ofo dim Ubulu Ihejiofo Ancient Kingdom, Oru West LGA, the PRO, Orlu Zone Council of Traditional Rulers, were recognized.

Prince Obiefule also commended the event organizers, particularly: Chief Ihekwoaba Chukwuneye, President-General, Umudioka Ancient Kingdom and his Assistant Secretary, Sir Harrison Ekene Amaechi. Others worthy of mentioning are the event planning committee Chairman, Chief Nze Ethelbert Tex Ukonu (Nwakaibeya n’Isu Njaba), and his team were highly commended for an excellent coordination and planning

*Report compiled by Fredrick Njoku*