Agabi Kingdom, Ihuokapara, was aglow with joy and celebration on Friday, 9 January 2026, as its traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Sir Fidelis Ogbu Nwatu, KSM, JP, marked the 50th anniversary of his coronation as Eze Agabi II.
The golden jubilee celebration, which attracted clergy, government officials, traditional rulers, Knights and Ladies, family members and well-wishers from far and near, was a remarkable tribute to five decades of leadership and service.
The celebration commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ihuokapara, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga.
In his address, the Bishop described Igwe Nwatu as a good man whose noble qualities have sustained him and endeared him to his people over the past fifty years. He likened the royal father’s request for prayers to the humility of the late Pope Francis, who sought prayers from the faithful at the beginning of his papacy.
The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Eric Claude Eziechina, welcomed the Bishop and guests, expressing gratitude for their presence at the historic celebration.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ede, CMF, described Igwe Fidelis Nwatu as a man who “read the signs of the times.” He noted that the monarch ascended the throne during a period of conflict and division in the land but worked deliberately to foster unity and peace among his people. He further described Igwe Nwatu as a core Christian who understands the distinction between what is unchristian and what is cultural, adding that he is young at heart, kind and approachable.
At the end of the Mass, Bishop Onaga prayed for the royal father and imparted special anniversary blessings on him.
Several priests and religious were in attendance, including Rev. Fr. Stan Zeowa, Dean of Agbani Deanery, and Rev. Fr. Theophilus Ukoro Igwe, former Rector of Bigard Memorial Seminary, among others. Traditional rulers present at the event included HRM Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu, HRM Igwe Emma Ugwu, HRM Igwe Barr. Igwesi Obi Igwesi, HRH Igwe Nwobodo Egbune, HRH Igwe Mike Nnaukwu, HRH Igwe Moses Idenyi, and many others.
Speaking after the Mass to The Choice Flame Newspaper, Igwe Fidelis Ogbu Nwatu said he became a traditional ruler in his thirties, at a time when many of his current subjects were not yet born. He noted that despite this, he has maintained a cordial relationship with young people, which he attributed to listening to the voice of God.
In his vote of thanks, the royal father expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and sustenance. He thanked Bishop Onaga and the priests who attended the event, appreciated his children for their support and presence, acknowledged the Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba, and expressed gratitude to all the traditional rulers and guests who came to celebrate with him.
The reception then moved to the field where the festivities continued. The reception venue was filled to the brim, with family and friends, Royal fathers, State officials including the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah all joining the monarch in celebration.
The golden jubilee celebration was a colourful and memorable event, marking a significant milestone in the life and reign of a monarch widely respected for his humility, faith and commitment to peace and unity in Agabi Kingdom.
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