…as Southeast traditional rulers extol his virtues
BY SAM OTUONYE
As part of a streamlined activities marking the 60th birthday of Chief Barr. Obioma Success Akagburuonye, the traditional rulers of the South Eastern Nigeria under the aegis of the Southeast Progressive Traditional Rulers Council, (SEPTRC) on Friday, February 20, 2026, conferred on him the chieftaincy title of Akaraugo of Igboland and the title of Ugwu Di Ndi’Igbo on his wife in recognition of his sustained contributions to the development of the South East.
The coronation which was carried out by the traditional rulers of the five Southeast states of Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi, was led by the President of Ndigbo Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty Eze Oliver Ohanwe, Imo, Eze Nnamdi Ofegbu, Abia, Eze Ezechukwu Egwu, Ebonyi, and Igwe Sunny O. Onah of Enugu State. Traditional rulers of Mbaise extraction were on hand to witness the ceremony.
The historic event, which took place at his expansive and ultra-modern country home in Ogbor-Uvuru Community, Aboh Mbaise, Imo State, was witnessed by a mammoth crowd of friends and well-wishers, including those from Europe and America. Colourful display of traditional dances added profound glamour to the ceremony.
Kick-starting the conferment, HRH Eze Nwaturuocha, Chairman of Mbaise Traditional Rulers, blessed the items – cap, bangle, necklace, staff, and hand fan, sanctifying them in the name of Jesus Christ. He described Akagburuonye as a God fearing man whose trust in God who gave him wealth is enviable. He prayed for God’s continued blessings and protection for him.
The conferment witnessed five segments, wherein five traditional rulers took turns to bestow him with the long staff of office, cap, bangle, necklace, short staff, and a hand fan, each with distinct value and relevance.
In his thank you remark, Chief Barr Success Obioma Akagburuonye, Akaraugo of Igboland, expressed his gratitude to the traditional rulers for finding him worthy of such regional title, even as he returned the honour to God who gave him the grace and power to make wealth. He also thanked everyone that made out time to attend the event.
He noted his surprise when he was informed of the conferment, as he underated his contributions to Igboland, unknowing to him that they are profound. He avowed that he would not take the honour for granted, even as re recalled that a similar title, Akaraugo 1 of Mbaise, was conferred on him several years ago.
“As you have found me worthy for this honour in recognition of championing some laudable courses in Igboland, may God honour you. I do not take this honour for granted,” he assured them.
He revealed that he would handover the St. Theresa’s Catholic church parish, Ogbor Uvuru, he rebuilt, to the Catholic community on the 11th of April, with Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Human Rights Advocate, as Special Guest of Honour, even as he invited the traditional rulers to the event.
He presented his friends from America and Europe to the traditional rulers for royal blessings – Bishop Senator Anthony Muse, a Los Angeles Lawmaker, Bishop Joel Njoku, an American based Evangelist, among others.
Earlier in his remark, Hon. Eddy Obinna, Chairman, planning committee of Akagburuonye’s 60th birthday, praised the ‘birthday boy’ for his great value and profound contributions to humanity, describing him as “God’s-sent, to Imo and Igboland,” noting that “80 per cent of Imolites have been benefitting from him.” He recalled that about 35 years ago, Akagburuonye, was conferred with the title Akaraugo 1 of Mbaise, in recognition of his unbeatable selfless service to his people.
