* Confers Illegal Traditional Titles On Individuals At Easter
- Outrage As Community People, Potentate Condemn Actions of The Usuper Monarch
By Reporter (Street News.com)
The emergence of a surprise claimant to the royal throne of Ossomalla community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State has unsettled residents and stirred controversy across the area.
The community’s recognized traditional ruler and veteran journalist, His Royal Highness (HRH) Igwe Victor Chukwuemeka Awogu, alongside cabinet chiefs and members of the agrarian riverine town of Ogbaru on the banks of the River Niger, has questioned how one Patrick Ugboma, also known as "Sule", came to proclaim himself king over the people.
During the last Easter holiday, Ugboma, a politician, an oil and gas businessman and a philanthropist, reportedly assembled a group of young men, conferred chieftaincy titles on them, and publicized the event in the media, where he was described as the traditional ruler of Ossomalla.
Reports also show that he has been parading himself within the community and neighbouring towns as its monarch.
Disturbed by this development, HRH Igwe Victor Awogu and his cabinet have issued a formal disclaimer, urging the public to disregard Ugboma’s claims. The community leaders condemned what they described as an unlawful act, and called on the Anambra State Government and the relevant law enforcement agencies to intervene.
In a press statement dated April 8, 2026, the authentic and officially recognized traditional ruler of Ossomalia Community in Ogbaru Local Government Area, HRH Victor Awogu declared that: “My attention has been drawn to a false report by an impostor claiming to be the Traditional Ruler of Ossomalla in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
"For the avoidance of doubt, I, Victor Chukwuemeka Awogu, remain the duly recognized Traditional Ruler of Ossomalla and Chairman, Committee on Communications and Public Relations of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council.”
The controversy gained traction following a social media report attributed to Enugu-based writer Kelvin Okpala of the New Nigerian Newspaper, which referred to Ugboma as the traditional ruler of the Ossomalia Community and highlighted his conferment of chieftaincy titles.
In the report, Ugboma was quoted as emphasising the importance of honouring deserving members of the community, arguing that such recognition helps to preserve traditional practices, customs and values.
However, the publication sparked widespread backlash, with many respondents urging the writer to verify his claims. They noted that Igwe Victor Awogu, a former Editor and a General Manager in the Daily Times of Nigeria Newspaper Group, remains the legitimate traditional ruler of Ossomalla Community.
Further findings indicate that Ugboma is a wealthy and influential political figure in Ogbaru LGA, where he also holds the title of Ide Ogbahu.
Reacting to the situation, HRH Victor Awogu, a prominent member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), stated that he has no objection to Ugboma’s philanthropy or political activities, but strongly condemned what he described as impersonation and deliberate spread of falsehood.
“Such actions send a wrong signal to the wider world,” the royal father said, adding that “One must also question the underlying intention. This must be stopped.”
Observers note that Ugboma’s actions may contravene the provisions of the 'Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State, particularly Sections 18 to 21, which prescribe penalties including fines and imprisonment for unlawful claims to traditional authority.
in Anambra, the law prohibits self-proclamation as a traditional ruler. It is unlawful for any person to present himself as a traditional ruler, assume a title, parade himself as such without due process and government recognition.
Violators may face: legal sanctions and possible prosecution. In essence, Anambra outlaws self-imposed kingship and protects communities from impostors or parallel authorities.
Sections 18–21 of the law, collectively establish that a traditional ruler’s authority flows from both custom and state recognition not by personal declarations as no one can crown himself king outside the legal and customary framework.
Meanwhile, several efforts to reaçh Chief Patrick Ugboma for him to clear the air on the development were turned down. Telephone calls made to his line met an SMS reply: "Please stop calling Chief Patrick Ugboma".
Following this, SMS and WhatsApp messages were sent to him to explain the need for his side of the story. One of the messages stated thusly: "Good evening Chief. Ide Ogbahu, please I am a journalist. Editor-in-chief of... I am calling because I have a report on my desk that needs your comment Please can you give me one minute of your time or do I send the question on WhatsApp?.."
No reply. A day after, a short four-point questionnaire was sent to him via WhatsApp. It states: "The Questions:
- Are you the traditional ruler of Ossomala in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State?
- When were you so crowned?
- By who?
- Did you confer Chieftancy titles on some Ossomalla people during the last (2026) Easter Holliday"?
Yet no reply even when he was informed that the deadline for publication was imminent. Publication deadline was delayed for 24 hours in expectation of his comment which eventually did not come. (source: The Street News.com). NNL.
