Forty-three years after the demise of Onyenweala VI, King (Eze) Truman Wabara Akpara, the people of Umuihueze Akwete autonomous community in Ukwa East LGA of Abia State, over the weekend, crowned King Augustine Enyinna Ogbulu Opiah Agbara, the Onyenweala VII.
The coronation, which took place at the community’s ancient square, was conducted by the Regent, Gabriel Okerenta Chuta – Ekeke Agbara.
In his post-coronation remarks, the Palace Secretary, Mr. Ogbonna Chijiuche, thanked the Abia State government, through the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu whom he said, granted them the approval for coronation.
Chijiuche, who also thanked God for the successful coronation of their traditional ruler, blamed kingship tussle for the delayed coronation.
He explained that in 1975, at the selection of King Trueman Esiuka Akpara Agbara, it was agreed that Opiah would take the next turn.
He revealed that Opiah nominated King Augustine Ogbulu as the Mbichiriezi of Opiah and Onyenweala-elect of Akwete ancient Kingdom since the year 2000 in line with their customs, culture and traditions.
Contributing, the community woman leader, Madam Ezihe Owowo, thanked God for the successful coronation of King Ogbulu as the Onyenweala VII after 43 years of waiting, expressing hope that the development would usher in unity and progress in the community.
She described King Ogbulu as a man of great repute and pledged that women and youth would support the newly-crowned monarch.
King Augustine Enyinna Ogbulu Opiah was born in August 26, 1956, to the family of late Chief Ephraim Ekekenta Opiah Agbara and Madam (Lolo) Nma Ephraim Ogbulu Opiah of the Opiah lineage of Agbara Akunwata Otuji in Akwete ancient Kingdom.
The traditional Ikoro drum was sounded to signify the dawn of a new era.