Chief Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwankpu, the father of Ebonyi State Governor Chief Francis Nwifuru, was formally crowned as the traditional ruler of the Oferekpe Agbaja Autonomous Community on Saturday.
Nwankpu, a farmer from Ebonyi, is known for his large family, having married 19 wives, with 17 still living, and fathering 108 children, including the current governor.
The coronation ceremony took place at the Oferekpe Agbaja Primary School in Izzi Local Government Area, where Nwankpu was presented by the community town union leadership and received the staff of office, symbolizing his new role as the monarch of the 17-village community.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Godwin Ogbaga, a former minister, commended the selection of Nwifuru Nwankpu as the traditional ruler.
He credited the Ebonyi State Governor for providing the necessary support, including signing the legal framework that enabled the establishment of the community and the selection of qualified leaders.
Ogbaga praised Nwankpu for his strong character, traditional knowledge, and dedication to community development, emphasizing that his reign would be vital in advancing the community’s progress.
He further noted that traditional rulers, unlike political appointees, hold their positions for life as custodians of culture and tradition.
Governor Nwifuru’s father, now recognized as the traditional leader, overcame various life challenges before marrying multiple wives, a decision he reportedly made after feeling isolated and disliked by his community.
