The Anambra State Government has disowned the chieftaincy title “Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora,” reportedly conferred on the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, and insists that the individual who conferred it is not a recognised traditional ruler in Awka or anywhere in the state.
In an official letter dated December 31, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, the state government declared that the conferment did not follow due process and violated the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Code of Conduct.
According to the letter, the authority to confer chieftaincy titles in Anambra State rests solely with duly recognised and certified traditional rulers within their respective communities.
“The conferment of chieftaincy titles in Anambra State is the exclusive prerogative of recognised/certified traditional rulers in their respective communities, and they do so only to residents or indigenes of their communities,” the commissioner stated.
The letter further clarified that where a non-indigene is to be honoured, approval must be obtained from the traditional ruler of the conferee’s community as well as the Commissioner for Local Government, Communities and Chieftaincy Affairs — a process which, the government said, was not followed in this case.
“In the case of a person not from the community, the approval of the Traditional Ruler of the conferee’s community and the Commissioner for Local Government, Communities and Chieftaincy must be sought and obtained. None of the above conditions was met in the case under reference,” the letter added.
The government described Obi Austin Ndigwe, who allegedly conferred the title, as an impostor, accusing him of unlawfully usurping the functions of the recognised traditional ruler of Awka, His Royal Highness Gibson Nwosu, the Eze Uzu II of Awka.
“Sadly, it is this aged veteran, now blind but still agile, who this dance of infamy is denigrating, as well as insulting the sensitivities of Awka people and the traditions and culture of Anambra State,” the letter stated.
Addressing Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu directly, the government urged her to desist from using the disputed title, stressing that she was aware that Ndigwe lacked the legal and customary authority to confer chieftaincy titles.
“Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu knows that Mr. Ndigwe has neither legal nor customary rights to confer a chieftaincy title on anyone. She should desist from addressing herself by any such fake title conferred by Mr. Austin Ndigwe,” the letter said.
The Anambra State Government warned that it would not tolerate actions that undermine recognised traditional institutions and stressed its resolve to protect the state’s cultural heritage.
“As a responsible government, we must take all necessary steps to protect our collective heritage from willful assault. To the great and law-abiding people of Awka, we have your back,” the government assured.
The letter concluded by reaffirming the state’s commitment to law, order, and the protection of Anambra State’s traditional and cultural institutions.
