By Douglas Princemola
After a year of respectful mourning for its former monarch, the Ikembara Autonomous Community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State has turned a new page in its history with the official installation of Engr. Francis Agim as its traditional ruler. With his coronation, he now holds the title of His Royal Highness, Eze Francis Agim, Mbara II.
The path to his emergence was paved with transparency and fairness. Three aspirants from the community’s eldest village, Abali, entered the contest to succeed the late HRH Eze Emmanuel Iwuchukwu. A screening process led to the disqualification of one, leaving two qualified candidates. The election that followed saw Engr. Agim win convincingly, securing 57 votes compared to his opponent’s 7.
During the grand ceremony that marked his coronation, leaders from across Ikeduru gathered in solidarity. Among the dignitaries was HRH Eze Peter Nnamdi Njoku of Umuri, Amaimo, who also serves as the Chairman of the Ikeduru Council of Traditional Rulers. He led a delegation of royal fathers to witness and bless the event, praising Ikembara for preserving their customs and ensuring a smooth succession. He encouraged the newly crowned monarch to lead with a sense of purpose and divine wisdom.
Eze Agim, speaking shortly after taking his oath of office, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the people of Ikembara. He described his emergence as a collective victory and emphasized that he was ready to serve the entire community without bias. He extended a hand of reconciliation to his fellow contestants and urged everyone to work together for the good of the community.
The President-General of the community, Dr. Chief Linus Ihedinma, reflected on the rigorous process that led to the installation. He lauded the unity and discipline displayed throughout the selection stages. According to him, the people of Ikembara followed every constitutional step, including presenting the elected Eze to the local government authorities before the coronation. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining fairness, stating that it was wrong to change the rules midway through any process.
As traditional dancers, youth groups, and women associations filled the coronation venue in celebration, the atmosphere was filled with joy, hope, and renewed commitment to community development. The outpouring of support reflected the people’s optimism in Eze Agim’s leadership.
In his closing remarks, the new monarch pledged to prioritize peace, social harmony, and infrastructural development. He promised to work closely with the eight villages that make up Ikembara, and to build upon the legacies of his predecessor while introducing fresh ideas that will drive progress.
With his ascension to the throne, Ikembara looks ahead to a new era marked by inclusive leadership, cultural revival, and sustained development under the reign of Eze Francis Agim, Mbara II.
