The father of Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwankpu, who has 30 wives, has been crowned the traditional ruler of the Oferekpe Agbaja Autonomous Community in Izzi Local Government Area of the state.
It was reported that Ezeogo Nwifuru Nwankpu initially married 30 wives, but over time, those who could not bear children left the marriage. He now lives with 17 wives.
The traditional ruler, a well-known farmer, has fathered a total of 108 children, including Governor Francis Nwifuru, who is from the fourth wife. Out of these 108 children, 21 are graduates, all of whom were educated with the help of their mothers, including the governor himself.
Ezeogo Nwankpu now oversees 17 villages after being installed as the Chibugo 1 of Oferekpe Agbaja Autonomous Community, which was carved out from the Agbaja community in Izzi Local Government Area. Governor Nwifuru presented his father with a certificate and staff of office, in accordance with the Ebonyi State Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Law, Cap 146.
During the ceremony, Governor Nwifuru recalled the difficult past his family faced, including suffering intimidation and molestation by villagers. He recounted how his uncle was killed in the village square, and their land was forcibly taken. According to the governor, this land is now the location of the Oferekpe Agbaja Primary School II, where his father’s coronation took place.
The governor explained that his father’s decision to marry 30 wives stemmed from the humiliation and isolation he faced due to his success as a prosperous farmer. The difficulties he encountered with his community led him to marry multiple wives for companionship and support in his work. Governor Nwifuru described his father as a hardworking, hospitable man who loved his wives, children, relatives, and neighbors.
He proudly shared that 25 of his father’s children have now graduated, thanks to the efforts of their mothers. The governor praised his father’s dedication to the education of his children and advised him to be generous, just, and peaceful as he takes on his new role as traditional ruler.
Chief Godwin Ogbaga, Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Power, commended Nwankpu’s coronation, highlighting his significant contributions to the development of the Izhi clan. Ogbaga acknowledged that the credit for Nwankpu’s installation goes to his son, Governor Francis Nwifuru, who facilitated the creation of the community and the legal framework for the coronation.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including former Governors Dr. Sam Elechi, Chief Martin Elechi, and Senator David Umahi, as well as three senators, six members of the House of Representatives, and other government officials.