Legacy of service: Why Umuihi honoured son with historic High-Chief title – Eze Uwalaka

By  Ezurike Ugochukwu

In a moment that blended tradition with gratitude and divine purpose, His Royal Highness Eze Jude Uwalaka, Ihi III of Umuihi and Chairman of the Imo Traditional Institution and Community Policing in Ihitte/Uboma, led a historic conferment of the High-Chief title on one of Umuihi’s illustrious sons, Dr. Eze Okubuiro.

Though miles away, Dr. Okubuiro’s selfless contributions to the welfare of his people—spanning educational sponsorship, community upliftment, and unwavering loyalty—reverberated strongly enough to earn him the rare honour in absentia. What unfolded was not just a title bestowal, but a symbolic celebration of merit, unity, and the enduring values that define the ancient Umuihi Kingdom.

Eze Jude Uwalaka, Ihi III of Umuihi, Chairman of Imo Traditional Institution and Community Policing in Ihitte/Uboma, and Ambassador of Peace, has explained the rationale behind the conferment of a High-Chief title on one of the community’s distinguished sons, Dr. Eze Okubuiro, who resides overseas.

Speaking on the honour, Eze Uwalaka said the title was bestowed in recognition of Dr. Okubuiro’s outstanding contributions to the community, despite his absence.

“Dr Eze is our true and legitimate son” the royal father said, “the support from his Umuoshi kindred and endorsements from other prominent sons and daughters of Umuihi made me approve their request.”

According to him, the event turned out to be a blessing to the entire community, as it attracted dignitaries from across Nigeria.

“Many doubted the possibility of such a conferment since the recipient lives abroad, but we proved it can be done. Awards, including national honours, are often given in absentia—what matters is the merit and consent of the individual.

This was our way of acknowledging his selfless service to the people,” he added.

On the criteria for selection, Eze Uwalaka noted that Dr. Okubuiro has been actively supporting his community by sponsoring education from primary to university level, offering financial assistance, and engaging in other philanthropic activities.

“This title is not just any title—it is reserved for true sons of Umuihi. While others may receive a High-Chief title, the particular one conferred on Dr. Okubuiro cannot be given to an outsider or anyone without Umuihi blood. He is now one of the three High-Chiefs in our community, representing the Umuoshi kindred. As long as he lives, no other Umuoshi man can receive that same title,” the monarch clarified.

He further disclosed that Dr. Okubuiro had previously been honoured with a Chieftency title in December 2024. When the High-Chief position for Umuoshi became vacant, the community unanimously recommended him.

“The difference between Chief and High-Chief is like the difference between His Royal Highness, His Royal Majesty, and Imperial Majesty—each denotes a level of honour and responsibility. High-Chief is superior to Chief,” Eze Uwalaka explained.

He also stated that almost all the traditional rulers (Ezes) in Ihitte/Uboma participated in the conferment and personally spoke with Dr. Okubuiro on the phone, offering prayers and blessings to him, wife(Lolo) and entire family.

Eze Uwalaka emphasized that character matters in such decisions. “No indigene of questionable character would be considered for such an honour. While someone may be given a Chief title for one reason or the other, the High-Chief honour is reserved for individuals of proven integrity and distinguished service.”

He noted that with this new status, Dr. Okubuiro now ranks alongside the Traditional Prime Minister in terms of honour and access to key community matters, although the Prime Minister remains the deputy to the Eze, while the High-Chief holds a more senior position among other titled persons.

Speaking the same vain, His Royal Highness Eze Innocent Onuoha, Ikpe 1 of Ikpewneafor Autonomous Community in Uboma clan of Ihitte/Uboma said indeed much of good deeds of Dr. Eze has reverberated across Ihitte and Uboma.

Eze Onuoha, the immediate past chairman of Ihitte/Uboma Council of traditional rulers implored the youths to see Dr. Eze as Thier role model.

“Eze has brought honour to us, we look up to his extending this philanthropic gesture to other communities in Ihitte/Uboma.

“God has blessed him and he has decided to use it to bless his people, I encourage him to extend it to others by so doing God will continue to enlarge his coast, we are proud of him.

“We gathered here to solidify his conferement because he is a true some of Ihitte/Uboma,” Onuoha maintained.

The President General of

Chairman of Ndi Nze and Vice-Chairman of the Cabinet of the Umuihi Ancient Kingdom, Nze Anointing Ihediohanma, stated that the conferment of the High-Chief title is reserved for individuals who have made significant, positive impacts on their communities.

Speaking on the honour bestowed on Dr. Eze Okubuiro, Nze Ihediohanma highlighted several of his philanthropic achievements, noting that the honouree had, even in absentia, installed solar streetlights across communities, awarded scholarships to students, and funded medical treatments for indigent persons at the general hospital, irrespective of the nature of their ailments.

“In the area of security,” he continued, “Dr. Okubuiro has also been instrumental in supporting community efforts to ensure safety and peace. He has empowered small businesses and brought hope to many.”

He emphasized that the High-Chief title is not awarded lightly. “When someone consistently contributes to the well-being of the community, the people take notice. The title is a reflection of the community’s gratitude for the good deeds one has done not just in Umuihi, but in surrounding communities as well.”

Pointing to the crowd gathered in celebration, he remarked, “You can see the boys and girls here today praying for him. Many are from other communities, not just Umuihi. That shows the reach of his generosity.”

Nze Ihediohanma, who received the title on behalf of Dr. Okubuiro, explained that the conferment was not a unilateral decision by a single traditional ruler, but rather a collective endorsement by all the Ezes in Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area. “Even those who couldn’t attend in person sent representatives,” he said. “Our Eze, His Royal Highness Jude Uwalaka, who performed the conferment, is also the Chairman of Ndi Eze in Ihitte/Uboma.”

He further explained that Ihitte/Uboma consists of ten electoral wards, with Umuihi as the traditional head. “By tradition, Umuihi leads the way. ‘Mbom Uzo’—the ceremonial path-clearing—started from Umuihi. But this title wasn’t given by Umuihi alone. All the Ezes from both Ihitte and Uboma joined hands in honouring him.”

He clarified that Dr. Okubuiro neither lobbied for the title nor requested it. “High-Chief is not a title given carelessly. It is earned through visible, verifiable deeds. As the Bible says, ‘Let your good works shine before men so they may glorify your Father in heaven.’”

As the custodian of the title on Dr. Okubuiro’s behalf, Nze Ihediohanma stated that he will ensure the recipient receives the official documentation and photograph of the event, according to his preference.

He also revealed that Dr. Okubuiro had earlier received the Chieftaincy title in December 2024, and the quick progression to High-Chief status was due to the overwhelming recognition of his continued service to the people. “When a community feels indebted to someone, this is how they express their appreciation,” he added.

The title, he emphasized, is for life and cannot be duplicated within the same village. “Umuoshi, being the largest of the three villages—Umuokoro, Umuelem, and Umuoshi—has now conferred this once-in-a-lifetime honour. No other individual from Umuoshi will hold this High-Chief title as long as Dr. Okubuiro lives. It is not hereditary, and only one person can bear it.”

He urged the youths of Umuihi and Ihitte/Uboma to emulate High-Chief Eze Okubuiro, describing him as a shining example of the Igbo philosophy of Akuruo Ulo—”wealth that touches home.”

“He is a good man,” Nze Ihediohanma prayed. “May God continue to bless him, preserve his family, and grant him long life.”

A 17-year-old student and JAMB candidate awaiting admission, Onyemee Angel Chidera from Umuoshi, said she and her peers came to celebrate their guardian, Dr. Eze Okubuiro, who has taken it upon himself to support their education.

“He has come to our rescue, meeting both our educational and personal needs. He paid for our examination fees and is committed to sponsoring our tertiary education,” she said.

Chidera noted that she and 11 other beneficiaries—both boys and girls—along with other youths within and outside their community, believe Dr. Okubuiro deserves even more than the High-Chief title being conferred on him. “He is a man of his word. This honour will certainly encourage him to do even more,” she added.

“We, the younger generation, are deeply grateful for this recognition given to him by our community and the Ihitte/Uboma Council of Ndieze. It gives us hope and pride.”

Describing him as a role model, Chidera said, “We want to be like him. We’re encouraging other young people to look up to individuals like Dr. Okubuiro and follow in their footsteps.”

She also appealed to other well-placed sons and daughters of the community to join hands with Dr. Okubuiro in supporting the youth for a better future.

“Our prayers are that God continues to bless him with wisdom, understanding, and fulfillment. May he enjoy a happy family life, and may celebration never cease in his home.”