IKEMBARA COMMUNITY CROWNS ENGR. FRANCIS AGIM AS NEW TRADITIONAL RULER (MBARAMA II)
By Anselem Anokwute
The Ikembara Autonomous Community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State in conviviality of culture and tradition has crowned Engr. Francis Agim as its new traditional ruler, with the title Mbarama II of Ikembara
This historic event follows the passing of the former monarch, HRH Eze Emmanuel Iwuchukwu, which left the community without a traditional leader. In accordance with the community’s constitution and long-standing customs, the town union coordinated a transparent and democratic process that led to the emergence of the new Eze from Abali Village—the next in line to produce a monarch.
The coronation ceremony was a colorful and culturally rich occasion, marked by full traditional rites and attended by dignitaries, villagers, and royal fathers from across the region. All eight villages of the community were represented, alongside the Onye Ishi-Ala, Ndi Nze na Ozo, and the Chairman of the Ikeduru Council of Traditional Rulers, among others.
Addressing the gathering, the President-General of Ikembara Autonomous Community, Dr. Chief Linus Ihedinma, explained the process that led to the new king’s selection. He noted that the community observed a one-year mourning period for the late Eze before initiating the process to elect a successor.
According to Dr. Ihedinma, three aspirants from Abali Village expressed interest. However, only two met the eligibility criteria and advanced to the final electoral stage. Engr. Francis Agim secured a landslide victory with 57 votes against 7, which led to his official presentation at the Ikeduru Local Government Council Headquarters, Iho. This was followed by his coronation by the title holders of the community. The community now awaits the Imo State Government’s formal presentation of the Staff of Office and Certificate of Recognition.
Dr. Ihedinma praised the transparency and integrity of the selection process and commended the villagers for resisting any attempts at manipulation. “Nowhere in the world do people shift the goalpost in the middle of the match,” he emphasized.
He described HRH Eze Francis Agim as a philanthropist, a silent achiever, and a man of integrity whose contributions to community development are widely acknowledged. “We pray for God’s guidance, wisdom, and blessings upon him and his family as he begins this sacred journey,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Ikeduru Council of Traditional Rulers and traditional ruler of Umuri-Amaimo Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Peter Nnamdi Njoku, led fellow monarchs in a show of solidarity. He prayed for sustained peace in Ala-Ikeduru and Imo State, and urged the new Eze to lead with wisdom and a sense of divine purpose. “Traditional leadership is not political—it is cultural and spiritual,” he noted.
In his acceptance speech, HRH Eze Francis Agim (Mbarama II) expressed profound gratitude to God, the community, and all stakeholders for the peaceful and successful process. He described his coronation as the dawn of a new era of peace, unity, and development for Ikembara.
“I thank God, our community leaders, invited guests, and the entire public for their prayers and support. I pledge to work with all eight villages to foster sustainable peace and progress,” he said.
The new monarch also extended a hand of fellowship to his fellow contestants, urging them to unite in building a strong and formidable Ikembara Autonomous Community of a collective dream.
