South East Council of Traditional Rulers Honours Ejiogu with Onowu of Igboland title

…Awards will boost my service to God and humanity, he declares

Owerri, the Imo state capital, stood still on Saturday, August 23, 2025, as custodians of Igbo culture and tradition, leaders of thought, opinion moulders, political gladiators, top government functionaries and captains of industry converged at the highly elevated Eze Imo Palace to mark the celebration of ancestral legacy, recognition of hardwork, commendation for selfless community services, and reward for unwavering commitment to socio-economic development.

It was simply a watershed event, one that heralded the pride of Igbo nationality; radiating with glamour, cultural significance, and profound affirmation. It was the colourful 25th coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty Eze Dr. E. C. Okeke CFR (Ezeudo ll of Amaifeke Kingdom)— Chairman, Imo State and South East Council of Traditional Rulers— an avenue where Igbo rich cultural heritage was not only celebrated, but was also demonstrated in practical terms and grand style, with candour.

The day witnessed the conferment of one of the most revered traditional honours in the history of the South East region— the Onowu Igboland chieftaincy title conferred on the Chairman of Citygate Homes, High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu— an illustrious son of Imo state, established industrialist, respected community leader and uncommon philanthropist whose name has become synonymous with vision, community service, enterprise, youth empowerment, and philanthropy.

Bestowing this prestigious title upon High Chief Ejiogu alongside his amazon of a wife Lolo Ijeoma Ejiogu (Osodieme of Igboland) — was not merely an act of recognition; it was an affirmation of his enduring contributions to the socio-economic advancement of the people and his unwavering commitment to preserving the heritage of Ndigbo.

The ceremony drew an august gathering of dignitaries, including His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, who extolled the invaluable role of traditional institutions as pillars of unity and progress.

The presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Works, Sen. David Nweze Umahi CON underscored the federal government’s respect for tradition and cultural leadership.
Conspicuously present at the epoch-making event were members of Akuluno United Brothers Association; an elitist pan Igbo socio-cultural group created to advance the economic development of the South East region through job creation, youth empowerment, and community development as they bring part of the wealth God has blessed them with to develop their individual-communities; as the likes of Chief Ebere Goodwill Uzozie — Chairman of GU Ebeko Group (African Julius Berger) and BOT Chairman of Akuluno United Brothers Association, High Chief Uche Umeh (Omeiheukwu of Imo State), Chief Evans Emesim (Okwumereze of Ukpor Mbadike Kingdom), High Chief Anthony Ikenna Obele (Okwunze Aguata), Chairman of Mekens Nig. Ltd, HRM Dr. Chris Brown of JP Chris and Batteries Nig Ltd, Dr. Chidiebere Gideon Osi (GOC), President|GMD- Gosima Group, Amb. Dr. Emmanuel Odoh (Odogwu Na Nsukka), Chief Okeke Niky Jonas MON (Ikenga Orsu), Prince Joseph C. Okafor (Mmirioma Ihiala), Chief Obina Onuchukwu – Chairman of Muna Suites Hotel Owerri, Chief Peter Obiekwe, Chief Michael Chidi, Chief Coleman Chinedu Nwafor — Chairman of Vintano Hotel, Chief Ikenna Ofala, Chief Obinna Ugozu, including Chief Chinedu Chukwuonye – Chairman of CODUC Construction Ltd, PG of Anara Town Union- Nze Ben Alaegbu, among other kinsmen of High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu (Onowu Anara Ancient Kingdom), were all captured by the media lens of 4th Estate Reporters.

As the traditional drums echoed and the air swelled with the pride of a people united by heritage, High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu’s investiture as Onowu Igboland marked not just a personal milestone, but a defining moment for Ndigbo — a testament to the timeless truth that leadership anchored on service, honour, enterprise, and cultural pride will always be celebrated.