Awka royal stool: I’m ready to go to jail – Ndigwe dares Soludo

Traditional ruler of Awka Kingdom, Imperial Majesty, Obi Austin Ndigwe, has said he is ready to go to jail for Awka people who crowned him their traditional ruler.

In a video sighted on social media, which was recorded in a traditional setting perceived to be a village square, Ndigwe said he was crowned by the people as the Obi of Awka and not that of Anambra, and that he would not give up a seat his people had duly given to him.

Recently, a panel of enquiry set up by Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to look into the tussle over the stool submitted its report, stating that another claimant to the throne, Obi Gibson Nwosu, was the only legitimately crowned monarch of the kingdom.

Also, last week, members of Ozo Society of Awka Kingdom had visited Soludo at the Government House, where the governor canvassed a central palace for Awka monarchs.

Soludo also said there was no need for the tussle, insisting that the only government-recognized monarch of Awka Kingdom is Obi Gibson Nwosu.

He pointedly stated that if Ndigwe continued to parade himself as the monarch, he risks going to jail.

But in the now trending video, Ndigwe seemed to dare Soludo as he addressed some locals, insisting that if it meant going to jail, he was ready.

He said: “I don’t have problem with anybody. What you people crowned me is King of Awka Kingdom. My people duly crowned me the Obi of Awka Kingdom, and I will not shy away from it.

“If performing the function given to me by my people is what would make me go to jail, I’m ready for it.”

In what looked like a mockery of Soludo’s threat, Ndigwe stated that he was crowned monarch of Awka and not monarch of Anambra, a subtle way of telling Governor Soludo to mind his business.

His comments at the village square elicited loud applause, with his supporters hailing him.

The video has generated large comments, with many commentators wondering why it is proving difficult for Soludo to arrest him. But others urged Soludo to let him serve his people in peace after they had chosen him to serve them.

Awka royal stool: I’m ready to go to jail – Ndigwe dares Soludo