All roads led to Azia community in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State as High Chief Francis Ugochukwu Chikezie (Ugodinobi) got coronated as Igwe 11 of Azia Ancient Kingdom.
Coronation process started as early as 6.00am at Nkwo-Ukpaka which was followed by high pontifical mass at Obom community field, Azia where the five villages that constitute Azia community paid homage of allegiance to the coronated monarch.
The mass officiated by Very Rev Fr Titus Nnabugwu.
In his homily, the Episcopal Vicar of Ozubulu Region, Very Rev Fr Dr Hygi Aghulor who preached on leprosy said that crises in any community is nothing but a leprous situation.
He said as a matter of fact that any issue or situation affecting the peace of the town and people of such community is a leprous condition.
Fr Aghulor thanked God for Azia community that can now rejoice after passing through crises for almost a decade.
He said that God has indeed blessed Azia with not just a monarch but a preacher of the gospel.
In his speech, the newly coronated monarch, HRH Igwe Ugodinobi described his emergence as the paramount traditional ruler of Azia as an act of God.
He applauded the entire people of the community, the inauguration committee, Palace Secretary, and friends of the community from far and near, for making out time to feature in the historic program.
The President General of Azia, Dr Toonna Nwabueze said he was happy beyond measure to see restoration of peace in his community.
Dr Nwabueze said that the coronation of Igwe Azia is indeed a dream come true.
Anambra South senatorial hopeful on the platform of Labour Party (LP), Mr Paul Orajiaka(Kpakpando Azia) said he was happy that his community has gotten over the back and front crises that was associated with the election of a new monarch.
He said that for solid nine years, Azia was without a king and that all efforts to resolve the matter always resulted into more acrimony.
Orajiaka applauded Anambra State government for channelling the path that eventually led to the peaceful resolution of the nine royal tussle.
He however appealed to the entire people of Azia to give maximum support to the new monarch even as he charged the Igwe to build bridges of reconciliation with the persons who might be aggrieved during the dark days of struggling for the crown.
Orajiaka said that the caliber of persons who graced the occasion highlighted the importance of the ceremony to Ihiala LGA, Anambra State and Nigeria in general.
The occasion was graced by Most Rev Jonas Benson Okoye, catholic bishop of Nnewi diocese, Chief Chuma Nzeeibe, Chief Pually Nwaonuma, Ndinze na ozo of Abia and other eminent personalities from far and near.
