A 23-year-old microbiology undergraduate at Delta State University, Abraka, has been installed as the traditional ruler of the Ekwuoma Kingdom in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Prince Daniel Afamefune Chukwujindu was formally installed on Thursday as the 11th Ajeh of Ekwuoma. He assumed the royal title of Ezeagu-Ukpo II after the completion of the burial rites of his late father, King Chinedu Samuel Chukwujindu, who reigned as the 10th Ajeh (Ezeagu-Ukpo I) for 18 years.
The young monarch succeeded his father under the kingdom’s traditional system of primogeniture, which designates the first son of a reigning monarch as the heir to the throne.
Community leaders said this succession practice has been maintained in Ekwuoma since the kingdom was founded nearly 400 years ago.
Daniel’s enthronement marks the end of his father’s reign and the start of a new chapter under one of the youngest monarchs in the community’s history. The installation ceremony drew traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, government representatives, academics, members of the royal family, friends and well-wishers. Traditional rites were performed to transfer the institution, accompanied by prayers and goodwill messages for the new reign.
In his remarks, the new Ajeh thanked the people of Ekwuoma for accepting him and pledged to protect the customs and traditions of the kingdom. He promised to promote peace, unity and development, and urged residents to work together to advance the community. He also called for stronger cooperation among the traditional institution, government and residents in tackling local challenges, and asked the sons and daughters of Ekwuoma to support the traditional stool while avoiding divisions.
The Chairman of the Council of Chiefs and Orikeze of Ekwuoma, Chief Ernest Njokede, congratulated the new monarch and expressed confidence in his leadership. He prayed for wisdom, strength, good health and divine guidance for Daniel, and appealed to the people to support him while putting the interest of Ekwuoma first.
Paying tribute to the late king, Njokede described his 18-year reign as one of service, peace and commitment to the people’s welfare. He stressed that community development is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment of all indigenes and residents.
The late King Chinedu Samuel Chukwujindu passed away on June 2, 2026. The Ekwuoma Traditional Council had earlier announced the transition and confirmed the succession of Crown Prince Daniel Afamefune Chukwujindu in line with the kingdom’s customs.
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