By Florencemary Nwabueze
ASABA — In a remarkable fusion of tradition and youthful ascension, a 23-year-old Microbiology undergraduate at Delta State University, Abraka, has been enthroned as the 11th Ajeh of Ekwuoma Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Prince Daniel Afamefune Chukwujindu was formally installed as Ezeagu-Ukpo II yesterday, following the completion of burial rites for his late father, King Chinedu Samuel Chukwujindu, Ezeagu-Ukpo I, who passed away on June 2, 2026.
The young monarch's emergence follows the ancient tradition of primogeniture in Ekwuoma, which dictates that the first son of a reigning monarch succeeds his father to the throne.
Speaking after his installation, the 11th Ajeh expressed deep gratitude to his people for their confidence and support, vowing to uphold the kingdom's cherished customs and traditions.
"I appreciate the people of Ekwuoma for their confidence and support. I pledge to uphold the customs and traditions of our kingdom and promote peace, unity and development." He said
The undergraduate monarch called upon all sons and daughters of Ekwuoma to unite behind the traditional institution and work collectively toward building a stronger, more prosperous community.
Emphasising the need for collaborative governance, he stressed: "The traditional institution, government and our people must cooperate to address the challenges facing Ekwuoma and advance the development of our kingdom."
Chairman of the Council of Chiefs and Orikeze of Ekwuoma, Chief Ernest Njokede, congratulated the new monarch while praying for divine guidance, wisdom, good health and strength for his reign.
"We are optimistic that your reign will be long, peaceful and memorable. We pray that God will guide and give you the wisdom and strength to lead your people with justice, peace and unity." Chief Njokede said
Paying tribute to the late Ajeh, who reigned for 18 years, Njokede described his tenure as one marked by "service, peace and dedication to the welfare of the people."
He urged the community to close ranks and place the collective interest of Ekwuoma above personal considerations.
"Ekwuoma belongs to all of us. It is our collective heritage. Let us treasure and guard it jealously because we are the envy of the numerous less fortunate communities around us. Community development is not the sole responsibility of the traditional institution or the chiefs alone; it is a shared responsibility that calls for the commitment of all sons and daughters of Ekwuoma and other residents of the kingdom." Njokede stated