People and Culture (Special Report)
By Chukwudi George Ozalla
Adazi-Ani was alive from the morning of Saturday, August 22, 2026, as sons and daughters of the community, friends, associates and guests from different parts of the country arrived for the coronation of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Chinedu Benson Madubuko, OFR, (Eze Chinechendo I) as the new traditional ruler of Adazi-Ani.
Vehicles came into town in steady numbers while men and women in colourful traditional attire made their way to the Adazi-Ani Town Hall. The bright sunshine continued through the afternoon as traditional rulers, politicians, business leaders, professionals, community leaders and other distinguished guests arrived for the ceremony.
The traditional proceedings took place in the open space outside the Town Hall. After solemn pronouncements and prayers by clergymen, attention turned to the crowning. At exactly 12:48pm, the crown was placed on Madubuko’s head, formally making him Eze Chinechendo I of Adazi-Ani. Cheers and applause followed as the people welcomed their new king.
After the solemnities, the new monarch danced to the special Egwu Ufie amidst cheers and applause. The Egwu Ufie, performed with a specially carved wooden ekwe with a slit in the middle, added a strong traditional note to the ceremony as Madubuko joined in the performance.
He later delivered his acceptance speech, recalling some of the events that preceded his acceptance of the stool. He thanked those who stood by him and pledged to do more for Adazi-Ani, promising to work for the progress and wellbeing of his people.
From the Town Hall, the occasion moved into a reception filled with music, dancing, food and drinks. The large turnout was evident in the number of people moving around the venue, greeting one another, taking photographs and settling down to enjoy the celebration.
The menu reflected the scale of the reception, with a carefully prepared selection of continental and local cuisine. Traditional delicacies were served alongside a variety of continental dishes, while wines, brandy and whisky were also in good supply throughout the reception.
The number of caterers and waiters was equally striking. At some points, they appeared almost to outnumber the guests, moving constantly around the venue with meals and drinks and making sure that those seated were properly attended to.
A live band kept the music going, while different dance groups performed at intervals. Traditional dancers brought colour and excitement to the reception, drawing applause from the guests and, in some instances, getting them to join the dance.
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was among those who attended the reception. Also present were His Royal Highness, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe; His Royal Majesty, Igwe Sir (Dr.) Ben Izuchukwu Emeka Okebo II of Umueri; and Hon. Dozie Ferdinand Nwankwo, APGA candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District. Other traditional rulers and prominent personalities also came to honour the new king.
The gathering included people who have known Madubuko in different capacities. Some came as indigenes of Adazi-Ani, others as friends, business associates, professionals and people who have worked with him or maintained close relationships with him over the years.
Several individuals and groups also paid homage to the new monarch with gifts.
The De Imperial Philanthropic Club, of which Madubuko is Grand Patron, presented him with a cheque for #100,000,000. High Chief Bert Chucks Igwilo, SAN, Ezeani Adazi-Ani and one of the illustrious sons of Adazi-Ani, spoke during the presentation.
Members of the Polo Club were also present to identify with the new king.
High Chief Kenneth Ejiofor Ifekudu (Agbalanze), a close associate of Madubuko, was on hand throughout the occasion to help ensure that everything moved smoothly. Madubuko is his mentor and benefactor, and the relationship between the two was evident in the role Ifekudu played during the event.
Madubuko was already well known in business, philanthropy and community affairs before ascending the throne. He has been associated with De Chico Investment Limited and has also been involved in community projects in Adazi-Ani, including road construction and assistance to people in need.
His emergence as traditional ruler therefore comes with a new responsibility. The businessman and philanthropist is now expected to bring his experience and relationship with the people to the traditional institution as he takes charge of the affairs of the community.
For Adazi-Ani, the coronation was also a homecoming. Indigenes who live outside the community returned for the occasion, families reunited and old friends met again. People who had travelled from different places came together to witness the crowning of one of their own.
The weather also changed as the day progressed. The bright sunshine of the afternoon gave way to cloudy skies in the evening, but the change did not stop the celebration. The band continued to play, dance groups performed and guests remained around the venue.
Indeed, Adazi-Ani brought its people together, drawing indigenes home and welcoming traditional rulers, government officials, business leaders, professionals, friends and families.
As the evening clouds gathered over Adazi-Ani, guests were still celebrating and congratulating the new monarch.
For Adazi-Ani, Saturday, August 22, 2026, was the day a new king, in the person of Madubuko, took the crown with historic grandeur, ready to continue from where his predecessor stopped.
