The Ezineze Mgbidi Autonomous Community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State has been thrown into deep mourning following the death of its traditional ruler, HRH Igwe P.D. Uzochukwu (Ezudo I of Mgbidi), barely a day to his 90th birthday.
The revered monarch also passed away just 24 hours before his 38th coronation anniversary, an event for which elaborate preparations had reached an advanced stage.
Billboards announcing the twin celebrations had been mounted across the community, while indigenes from far and near had begun returning home ahead of the festivities scheduled for Wednesday.
The sombre mood descended on the community when news filtered in that the Igwe had been rushed to a hospital after experiencing a sudden health challenge.
He later died at a private hospital in Enugu metropolis.
Confirming the development, Prince Emeka Uzochukwu said the palace was taken completely by surprise, noting that the monarch had gone for a routine medical check to ensure he was fit for the celebrations before his condition deteriorated unexpectedly.
“It was difficult to come to terms with his passing, especially as we were with him at the hospital shortly before he died,” he said.
As a mark of honour, residents observed a minute of silence during a town hall meeting held at Central School, Mgbidi.
Speaking at the gathering, President-General of Mgbidi Central Union, Theophilus Nzeh (Esq.), described the monarch’s death as a huge loss to the two autonomous communities in Mgbidi.
He hailed the late Igwe for his years of selfless leadership and enduring contributions to peace and development in the area.
Igwe Uzochukwu, who mounted the throne 38 years ago following the demise of Chief G.I. Oko, presided over the emergence of two autonomous communities—Ezineze Mgbidi and Ezineri Mgbidi.