A 23-year-old Microbiology undergraduate of Delta State University, Abraka, Prince Daniel Afamefune Chukwujindu, has been installed as the new traditional ruler of Ekwuoma Kingdom in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Daniel was formally enthroned as the 11th Ajeh of Ekwuoma on Thursday, succeeding his late father, King Chinedu Samuel Chukwujindu, who ruled the kingdom for 18 years.
Following the completion of his father’s burial rites, the new monarch assumed the royal title of Ezeagu-Ukpo II. His late father was known as Ezeagu-Ukpo I, the 10th Ajeh of the kingdom.
His emergence followed Ekwuoma’s traditional system of succession, based on primogeniture, under which the first son of a reigning monarch succeeds to the throne.
Community sources said the succession tradition has been observed in Ekwuoma since the kingdom was established nearly four centuries ago.
Daniel’s installation therefore marked the conclusion of his father’s reign and the beginning of a new chapter for the kingdom under one of its youngest traditional rulers.
The enthronement ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, government representatives, academics, members of the royal family, friends and other well-wishers.
Traditional rites were performed to formally transfer the institution of traditional leadership to the new monarch, while prayers and goodwill messages were offered for his reign.
In his remarks, Daniel expressed appreciation to the people of Ekwuoma for accepting him as their traditional ruler and pledged to uphold the customs and traditions of the kingdom.
He also promised to promote peace, unity and development, urging the people to work together towards advancing the community.
The new Ajeh called on sons and daughters of Ekwuoma to support the traditional institution and avoid divisions that could undermine the kingdom’s progress.
He further advocated closer collaboration between the traditional institution, government and residents in finding solutions to the challenges confronting the community.
The Chairman of the Council of Chiefs and Orikeze of Ekwuoma, Chief Ernest Njokede, congratulated Daniel on his installation and expressed confidence in his capacity to lead the kingdom.
Njokede prayed for wisdom, strength, good health and divine guidance for the young monarch as he assumes the responsibilities of traditional leadership.
