America University professor installed as traditional ruler in Enugu community

By Agency Report

Nsukka Catholic Bishop has advised the newly coronated traditional ruler of Ukwuotu, Edenu, Ede Oballa community in Nsukka Local government area of Enugu State Prof Vitalis Onah who is professor at American University Curacao, not to allow people go back to idol worship.

Bishop Godfrey Onah gave the advice on Saturday at St Joseph  Catholic Parish Ukwuotu Edenu,  in a remark during a church service that preceeded the Coronation and first Ofalla of the Traditional Ruler.

Onah urged the new traditional ruler to uphold the traditions and cultures of the people but should avoid any one that had to do with idol worship and against humanity.

"As professor from American University expectations from you by your people, the church and international community are very high.

"As Knight of  Mulumba in Catholic Church, you should use your reign to preach more about Jesus Christ and avoid anything that will take the community back to idle worship,"he said.

Onah who represented by Rev.Fr. Uchenna Eze urged the first traditional ruler to pray always,  so that God Almighty would grant him the wisdom of biblical King Solomon to rule his people and record landmark achievements.

Speaking during the coronation ceremony the new traditional ruler said that, the combination of his academics, knighthood and igeeship would help him to reform some of the obnoxious cultures and traditions, as well attract developments to the community.

"Today's event presents us with a milestone in our evolutionary trajectory, Ukwuotu was once a small ancient community that has grown into an active vibrant population with vital demographic statistics to merit our new status as an autonomous community.

"Having a combination of christianity, academics and tradition will help me to reform some of our traditions and cultures as well as rid-off things that are fitish.

"As we welcome our many friends to this epoch making event, it is pertinent to remind ourselves that ours is a community of shared value resilience and aspiration to a strong social values and ambitions," he said.

The traditional ruler appealed to the Enugu State government and good spirited individuals to help scale up the livelihood of the people with the provisions of Cottage Hospital, Pipe Born Water and a Skill Acquisition Centre in the community.

Onah who is a professor of Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination at the University of America Curacao, expressed appreciation to all who came from far and near to witness his coronation and Ofalla festival and prayed God to reward them abundantly.

In a remark, Prof Gamaliel Prince, the Vice-Chancellor of American University said he was in Nigeria to witness the coronation of Onah as traditional ruler of his community
who is a staff of the university.

"As university we believe in respecting the cultures and traditions of the people which is their identity.

"People should separate culture and tradition from idol worship as a christian and educated person  I don't believe in idol worship in whatever guise.

"I have no doubt that Onah as Christian and professor would make a difference in traditional ruler institution,"he said.

Prince announced 10 scholarship award on behalf of the university to the community, which he said was a way of promoting education in the community as well as give back to the society.

"The community should give us 10 most intelligent youths we will sponsor and  take care of their education up to PhD level in our university,"he said.

In a remark, the Town Union President  General of Ukwuotu autonomous community, Chief Theophilus Ozioko assured that the town union and the people of the community would support the new Igwe to achieve the required development of the community.

Ozioko said Onah is an illustrious son of Ukwuotu community and the community is happy to have him as the traditional ruler of the community.

Our correspondent, reports that, the highlight of the occasion was conferment of cheiftency titles to some prominent people by the traditional ruler who have rendered selfless service to humanity. (NAN)