Father of Ebonyi Governor, with 30 Wives and 108 Children, Crowned Traditional Ruler

The father of Ebonyi State Governor, known for his large family of 30 wives and 108 children, is crowned as a traditional ruler. Explore the cultural and political significance of this event.

Chief Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwankpu, father of Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, has been enthroned as the traditional ruler of Oferekpe Agbaja Autonomous Community in Izzi Local Government Area.

Chief Nwankpu, renowned for having a large family, married 30 wives throughout his life. However, some of these marriages ended because the women were unable to have children.

He presently resides with 17 wives, who together have given birth to a total of 108 children. Among them is Governor Francis Nwifuru, born to his fourth wife.

The newly crowned Ezeogo, a respected farmer and community leader, has been instrumental in raising his children, 21 of whom have graduated from university.

Interestingly, their mothers assumed the responsibility of financing their education, including that of the governor.

Seventeen villages

Ezeogo Nwankpu is overseeing 17 villages following his installation as the Chibugo 1 of Oferekpe Agbaja Autonomous Community, which was established from a section of the Agbaja community in Izzi Local Government Area by the governor.

The governor awarded a certificate and staff of office to his father, Ezeogo Nwankpu, emphasizing that this action was in accordance with the Ebonyi State Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Law, Cap 146.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Nwifuru reflected on how the family endured rejection, intimidation, and mistreatment by the villagers.

He stated that his uncle was killed in the village square and later their land was forcibly seized.

He stated that the land in question is now home to the primary schools where his father’s coronation occurred, specifically Oferekpe Agbaja Primary School II.

He described his father as a diligent man, mentioning that he married 30 wives; however, some of them left because they were unable to bear children in the family.

Why My Father Married 30 Wives – Governor

Governor Nwifuru shared that his father faced humiliation from relatives, neighbors, and the entire community because he was excelling beyond his peers thanks to his successful farming business.

The governor stated that his father’s isolation resulted from the villagers’ mistreatment or intimidation.

As a result, he married multiple wives to have companionship and support in achieving his ambitions as a prosperous farmer.

He portrayed his father as a welcoming man who cherishes his wives, children, relatives, and neighbors. He also mentioned that 25 of his children have now graduated.

The governor said, “My father is a devoted husband and caring father who looks after all his children and wives.”

All his wives and children put in great effort to excel academically, which is why our family proudly includes 25 graduates who persevered with the support of their mothers.

The governor advised his father, upon assuming the royal seat, to be generous with his subjects in order to maintain peace and unity within the community.

He urged his father to uphold justice in fulfilling his responsibilities as a traditional ruler, avoiding vindictiveness and instead leading with guidance and inspiration from God.

Attendance check

Chief Godwin Ogbaga, the event’s Chairman and a former Minister of Power, praised Nwifuru Nwankpu’s installation as the community’s traditional ruler. He highlighted this recognition as highly commendable due to Nwankpu’s significant contributions to societal progress, particularly within the Izhi clan.

Ogbaga stated that the recognition for Ezeogo Nwankpu’s coronation should be given to his son, who is presently serving as the state governor.

He mentioned that Governor Francis Nwifuru facilitated the exercise by signing into law the document establishing the communities, as required and approved.

The ceremony drew notable figures from both within and beyond the state, including former governors Dr. Sam, Chief Martin Elechi, and Senator David Umahi.

Others include the three senators and six House of Representatives members who represent the state in the National Assembly.

Also in attendance were the members of the state executives council, local government chairmen, coordinators, and various other government appointees.