A 23-year-old undergraduate in Microbiology at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Prince Daniel Afamefune Chukwujindu, has ascended the traditional throne of the Ekwuoma Kingdom in the Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.

Prince Daniel became the 11th Ajeh (King) of Ekwuoma, succeeding his late father, King Chinedu Samuel Chukwujindu, the 10th Ajeh, Ezeagu-Ukpo I, who died on June 2, 2026.

His emergence followed the age-long tradition of primogeniture governing succession to the Ekwuoma throne, under which the first son of a reigning monarch is recognised as the rightful heir.

According to the community, the tradition has remained the accepted system of royal succession in Ekwuoma since the kingdom was founded nearly 400 years ago.

The community yesterday witnessed the completion of the burial rites of the late monarch and the formal enthronement of his son, who now assumes the royal title of Ezeagu-Ukpo II.

The ceremony brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, government representatives, academics, family members, friends and well-wishers, who gathered to honour the late monarch and usher in his successor.

The traditional rites featured activities marking the transition from the reign of the late Ajeh to the new monarch, while prayers and goodwill messages were offered for the success of the new reign.

The formal installation of Prince Daniel marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Ekwuoma, with the young monarch expected to balance the responsibilities of traditional leadership with his academic pursuits.

In his remarks, the new Ajeh expressed appreciation to the people of Ekwuoma for their confidence and support, pledging to uphold the customs and traditions of the kingdom and to promote peace, unity and development.

He called on sons and daughters of Ekwuoma to unite behind the traditional institution and work collectively to build a stronger and more prosperous community.

The monarch also stressed the importance of cooperation among the traditional institution, government and the people in addressing the challenges facing the kingdom and advancing its development.

The Chairman, Council of Chiefs and Orikeze of Ekwuoma, Chief Ernest Njokede, congratulated the new Ajeh and expressed optimism that his reign would be long, peaceful and memorable.

Njokede prayed for divine guidance, strength, good health and wisdom for the young monarch to lead the people with justice, peace, unity and a commitment to progress.

He also paid tribute to the late Ajeh, describing his 18-year reign as a period that left an enduring legacy of service, peace and dedication to the welfare of the people.

He urged the people to close ranks, rise above personal interests and embrace a common vision for the future of Ekwuoma.

“Ekwuoma belongs to all of us. It is our collective heritage. Let us treasure and guard it jealously, for we are the envy of numerous less fortunate communities around us,” Njokede said.

He added: “Community development is not the sole responsibility of the traditional institution or the chiefs; it is a shared responsibility that calls for the commitment of all sons and daughters of Ekwuoma and other residents of the kingdom.”

The enthronement has therefore ushered Ekwuoma into a new era, with the community looking to its young monarch to preserve its centuries-old traditions and provide purposeful leadership for the next generation. (The Nation)