Delta Kingdom crowns 23-year-old monarch after father’s burial
At just 23, Prince Daniel Afamefune Chukwujindu has assumed the traditional throne of Ekwuoma Kingdom in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, succeeding his late father as the 11th Ajeh of the kingdom.
Daniel, a Microbiology undergraduate of Delta State University, Abraka, was installed as Ezeagu-Ukpo II following the completion of the burial rites for his father, the late King Chinedu Samuel Chukwujindu, Ezeagu-Ukpo I, who died on June 2, 2026.
*Chukwujindu
Goddy Simon, Asaba
At just 23, Prince Daniel Afamefune Chukwujindu has assumed the traditional throne of Ekwuoma Kingdom in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, succeeding his late father as the 11th Ajeh of the kingdom.
Daniel, a Microbiology undergraduate of Delta State University, Abraka, was installed as Ezeagu-Ukpo II following the completion of the burial rites for his father, the late King Chinedu Samuel Chukwujindu, Ezeagu-Ukpo I, who died on June 2, 2026.
His emergence followed Ekwuoma’s longstanding tradition of primogeniture, under which the first son of a reigning monarch succeeds to the throne.
The community said the practice had been observed since the founding of the kingdom nearly 400 years ago.
The burial and enthronement ceremonies brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, government representatives, academics, relatives, friends and other well-wishers.
The traditional rites marked the transition from the reign of the late monarch to that of his son, while prayers and goodwill messages were offered for the new king and his people.
The ascension of the young monarch has placed him in the unusual position of combining the demands of traditional leadership with his university education.
In his first remarks as Ajeh, Daniel thanked the people of Ekwuoma for their confidence and support, promising to protect the customs and traditions of the kingdom while working to promote peace, unity and development.
He urged the people, both at home and in the diaspora, to unite behind the traditional institution and contribute to the growth of the kingdom.
The new monarch also called for stronger cooperation among the traditional institution, government and residents in tackling challenges and advancing development.
The Chairman of the Ekwuoma Council of Chiefs and Orikeze of the kingdom, Chief Ernest Njokede, congratulated Daniel and expressed confidence that his reign would be peaceful and successful.
Njokede urged the young monarch to seek divine guidance and lead with wisdom, justice and fairness. He also prayed for his strength, good health and a long and productive reign.
The chief paid tribute to the late Ajeh, describing his 18-year reign as a period marked by service, peace and commitment to the welfare of the people.
He urged residents to put aside personal interests and work towards a shared vision for the kingdom.
“Ekwuoma belongs to all of us. It is our collective heritage. Let us treasure and guard it jealously,” Njokede said.
He stressed that community development should not be left to the traditional institution or chiefs alone, but should involve every son and daughter of Ekwuoma, as well as other residents.
With the installation of Daniel, Ekwuoma has entered a new chapter, placing the responsibility of preserving its centuries-old traditions and providing purposeful leadership on one of its youngest monarchs.
The new king is now expected to navigate the demands of the throne while continuing his academic journey at DELSU.
