The ancient Ebem Autonomous Community in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State at the weekend marked the 35th coronation anniversary of its traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, Kpoke I of Ekeluogo Ebem and Ezieogo Ebem Ohafia.

The event also featured an advance celebration of the monarch’s 89th birthday, scheduled for April 12, 2026.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Elder Idika Kalu Uche, recalled that the community had faced challenging times in the past, which he attributed to attempts by some individuals to undermine its traditional leadership structure.

He, however, commended resilient members of the community for sustaining peace and ensuring the continued unity and progress of Ebem.

Uche further highlighted the community’s longstanding tradition of honouring deserving individuals, noting that titles in Ebem are not commercialised but reserved for persons who have distinguished themselves through service to the community and humanity.

29 persons comprising 19 males and 10 ( ten ) were honoured with Chieftaincy titles by the traditional ruler at the ceremony held at Ohafia LGA

Among the males honoured were the Community President- General , Chief Uduma Iroha Olugu, renowned Yam/Vegetable Farmer, Kalu Awa Kalu, Ohafia LGA Mayor, Eleanya Kalu Ojuu, House of Representatives member for Arochukwu/Ohafia Constituency, Hon Ibe Okwara Osonwa, Director , ABN TV&Radio , Chief Ifeanyi Kalu Ubaka, who is also, the Chief Executive Officer of Fakzy Communications, and National Editor-In-Chief, Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria ( OMPAN ).

He was honoured with the title of ” Okwuru Oha Ebem Ohafia ” ( Spokesman of Ebem).

Some of the honoured females were Professor Adaku Sandra Idika Umeh of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Idika-Kalu Ngozi, Director/Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Education Unity Colleges, for the South East Zone, and Education Reform Advocate, Orieji Emele.

In his welcome address, the traditional ruler on behalf of his people, described Ebem Ohafia as Land of Two Towers, People of hospitality, inclusiveness and lawfulness.

” The land where anyone, no matter from where, can naturalize, pursue his/her business legally with respect to our customs and traditions, obey the NATURAL and Nigerian Laws , without discrimination of any type against any one”.

According to him, by this event, ” the unique Ebem Ohafia community is celebrating all our Awardees and amiable state governor Dr Alex Chioma Otti and his Government”.

On the origin of Ebem Ohafia, it was written in the Event Brochure, ” Mben , as the people of Ohafia were known, migrated from Ibeku, led by Ezema Atita Akpo to Ugwu Mgbo and lived there.

” The towns and villages as they now exist had not been established. Among the people was a bold and courageous woman, Mgboenine, alias Chisara. She was married to a strong and brave hunter called Kpoke Olughuobia”.

In his address, the President- General of the Community, Chief Uduma Olugu Iroha, said that the event which had the former President General, Chief Anaga Kalu Anaga as Chairman, was not just a celebration of longevity in age, but one of enduring leadership, unwavering commitment, and uncommon resilience.