A 23-year-old Microbiology undergraduate student of Delta State University, Abraka, Prince Daniel Afamefune Chukwujindu, has been installed as the 11th Ajeh of Ekwuoma Kingdom in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Daniel, who succeeds his late father, King Chinedu Samuel Chukwujindu, was formally installed on Thursday and assumed the royal title of Ezeagu-Ukpo II following the completion of his father’s burial rites.
His late father, Ezeagu-Ukpo I, was the 10th Ajeh of Ekwuoma and reigned for 18 years.
Daniel’s emergence followed the kingdom’s traditional system of primogeniture, under which the first son of a reigning monarch succeeds his father. The community said the tradition has been maintained since Ekwuoma was founded nearly 400 years ago.
His installation brought to an end his father’s 18-year reign and ushered in a new chapter under one of the youngest monarchs in the kingdom’s history.
The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, government representatives, academics, members of the royal family, friends and well-wishers, with traditional rites performed to formally transfer the institution to the new monarch.
Speaking after his installation, Daniel thanked the people of Ekwuoma for accepting him and pledged to uphold the customs and traditions of the kingdom.
He promised to make peace, unity and development key priorities of his reign, while urging residents to work together to advance the community.
The young monarch also called on the sons and daughters of Ekwuoma to support the traditional institution and shun divisions that could hinder the kingdom’s progress.
He further advocated stronger cooperation between the traditional institution, government and residents to address the challenges confronting the community.
The Chairman, Council of Chiefs and Orikeze of Ekwuoma, Chief Ernest Njokede, congratulated Daniel and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the kingdom.
Njokede prayed for wisdom, strength, good health and divine guidance for the new monarch, stressing that these would be necessary as he assumes the responsibilities of traditional leadership.
He also urged residents to rally behind Daniel and place the collective interest of Ekwuoma above personal differences.
Paying tribute to the late monarch, Njokede described his 18-year reign as one marked by service, peace and commitment to the welfare of the people.
He urged the community to preserve the legacy of the late king while supporting his successor to build on it.
“Ekwuoma belongs to all of us. It is our collective heritage. Let us treasure and guard it jealously, for we are the envy of numerous less fortunate communities around us,” Njokede said.
He stressed that developing the kingdom was a collective responsibility rather than one that should be left to the traditional institution alone.
“Community development is not the sole responsibility of the traditional institution or the chiefs; it is a shared responsibility that calls for the commitment of all sons and daughters of Ekwuoma and other residents of the kingdom,” he added.
Daniel now begins his reign while continuing his Microbiology studies at the university, combining his academic pursuit with the responsibilities of leading the historic Ekwuoma Kingdom.