The Anambra State Government has disowned the chieftaincy title “Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora” allegedly conferred on Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, by Obi Austin Ndigwe, describing him as an impostor with no recognition as a traditional ruler in Awka or the state.
In a letter dated December 31, 2025, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, the government said the conferment violated the Traditional Rulers’ Code of Conduct. The letter emphasized that only recognized and certified traditional rulers in their communities can confer chieftaincy titles, and they may only do so to indigenes or residents of their areas.
For individuals from outside the community, the approval of both the conferee’s local traditional ruler and the state commissioner must be obtained—requirements that were not met in Ojukwu’s case. The letter added that Ndigwe had no authority to confer such a title and that the act undermined HRH Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu II of Awka, the legitimate ruler.
The government also said the publication of the title on Ojukwu’s social media accounts caused confusion and could be seen as an affront to Anambra’s traditional institutions. The statement read, “Amb. Bianca Ojukwu knows that Mr. Ndigwe has neither legal nor customary rights to confer a chieftaincy title on anyone… She should desist from addressing herself by any such fake title conferred by Mr. Austin Ndigwe.”
The state warned that it would protect the integrity of Anambra’s cultural heritage and traditional institutions, assuring the people of Awka that the legitimate custodians of their traditions remain supported by the government.
