The Anambra State Government has firmly rejected the authenticity of the chieftaincy title, Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora, reportedly bestowed on the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, declaring that the exercise was carried out by an individual it described as an impostor and not in line with established tradition or law.
The government insisted that Chief Austin C. Ndigwe, who allegedly conferred the title, is not a recognised traditional ruler in Awka or anywhere in Anambra State, stressing that he lacks both legitimacy and official recognition.
This position was clearly stated in a letter dated December 31, 2025, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, and released to the media on Thursday.
In the letter, the state government explained that the authority to confer chieftaincy titles in Anambra State rests solely with duly recognised and certified traditional rulers within their respective communities. It further noted that such honours are typically reserved for indigenes or residents of the community concerned.
According to Nwabunwanne, in situations where a proposed recipient is neither an indigene nor a resident, the law requires that formal approval must first be obtained from the traditional ruler of the recipient’s community as well as from the Commissioner for Local Government, Communities and Chieftaincy Affairs, in accordance with the Traditional Rulers’ Code of Conduct. He emphasized that none of these mandatory conditions was fulfilled in Ambassador Ojukwu’s case.
The letter, titled “Amb. Bianca Ojukwu and the fake chieftaincy title from a fake traditional ruler,” noted that social media announcements made by the minister regarding the title had generated widespread confusion within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and across the state.
It stated that the government’s attention was drawn to a publication in which Ambassador Ojukwu claimed she received the title during the Igu Aro Cultural Festival from “His Majesty Obi Austin Ndigwe (MON).”
The government categorically dismissed this claim, reiterating that Austin Ndigwe is not a traditional ruler. It further revealed that Ndigwe had been issuing correspondence under the title “Eze Uzu III of Awka,” an act it described as a criminal offence under Anambra State law, given that the legitimate traditional ruler of Awka, His Royal Highness Gibson Nwabueze Nwosu (Eze Uzu II), is alive and officially recognised by the government.
Highlighting the credentials of the authentic monarch, the letter recalled that the 92-year-old Eze Uzu II is a respected national figure, known as the first Nigerian to fly a fighter jet solo. It also noted his service as second-in-command of the Biafran Air Force and his 15-year exile. The government added that it was the same monarch who, in 2004, conferred the chieftaincy title of Omenife Awka on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Describing the alleged conferment on Ambassador Ojukwu as an insult to tradition, the government said the episode unfairly demeans the revered monarch and offends the cultural values and sensibilities of the Awka people.
The letter also criticised the minister’s involvement, stating that given her background and status, she either knew or ought to have known the true position regarding traditional authority in Awka.
It further recalled that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo had previously and publicly warned Ndigwe to stop parading himself as the traditional ruler of Awka, an incident that reportedly gained widespread public attention.
The government argued that referring to Ndigwe as both “His Majesty” and “Obi” clearly suggested an intention to present him as a traditional ruler, an action it said violates the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State.
In conclusion, the state government declared the chieftaincy title purportedly conferred on Ambassador Ojukwu null, void, and without recognition under Anambra law, culture, or tradition. It advised the minister to refrain from using or associating herself with the said title.
Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of cultural heritage and lawful traditional institutions, the government assured the people of Awka that it would take all necessary legal steps to safeguard their customs and traditions, adding that it stands firmly with the law-abiding citizens of the community.