Sharon Adurokiya, Reporting
A 23-year-old undergraduate of Microbiology at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Prince Daniel Afamefune Chukwujindu, has been installed as the 11th Ajeh of Ekwuoma Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
The young monarch ascends the throne following the death of his father, King Chinedu Samuel Chukwujindu, Ezeagu-Ukpo I, who passed away on June 2, 2026. Prince Daniel’s formal enthronement took place after the completion of his late father’s burial rites, and he now bears the royal title of Ezeagu-Ukpo II.
The succession followed the ancient tradition of primogeniture in Ekwuoma, a custom that has governed royal succession in the kingdom for centuries, ensuring that the first son of a reigning monarch inherits the throne.
The enthronement ceremony was a grand affair, attracting traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, government representatives, academics, members of the royal family, friends and well-wishers from far and wide.
In his address after installation, the new Ajeh thanked the people of Ekwuoma for their trust and support, vowing to preserve the customs and traditions of the kingdom while championing peace, unity and development in the community.
He called on all sons and daughters of Ekwuoma to rally behind the traditional institution and work collectively for the progress of the kingdom. The young monarch also emphasised the importance of synergy between the traditional institution, government and the people in tackling challenges facing the community and driving its development.
The Chairman of the Ekwuoma Council of Chiefs and Orikeze of the kingdom, Chief Ernest Njokede, congratulated the new monarch and expressed optimism about his leadership capabilities. He prayed for wisdom, strength, good health and divine guidance for the young king as he begins his reign.
Njokede appealed to the people of Ekwuoma to support the new Ajeh and prioritise the kingdom’s interests over personal differences.
Paying tribute to the departed monarch, Njokede described King Chinedu Samuel Chukwujindu’s 18-year reign as one marked by service, peace and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his subjects. He urged the community to honour the late king’s legacy while giving the new monarch the necessary support to succeed.
Prince Daniel’s emergence makes him one of the youngest traditional rulers in the community’s history, and remarkably, he will continue his university education alongside his new responsibilities on the throne.
