Igwe Asadu seeks Constitutional backing for traditional institutions, showcases legacy of community service

Traditional ruler of Edem -Ani ,Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu state and Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, His Royal Majesty ,Igwe Samuel Asadu( Ogadagidi) has called for a constitutional review to strengthen the role of traditional institutions in Nigeria, saying traditional rulers have a critical role to play in governance, peacebuilding and community development. Yh NN

He made the call on Wednesday, July 29,2026, in an interview with Newsmen in Enugu. The monarch said efforts were already underway to secure constitutional recognition for traditional institutions, stressing that the traditional stool remains a vital institution for preserving culture, promoting development and fostering unity.

Traditional ruler of Edem Ani and chairman Enugu state council of Traditional rulers, HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu , Wednesday,July 29,2026 re-echoed calls for constitutional review on traditional institutions.

“We have our “Ofo”, which is our symbol of authority,” he said.
Igwe Asadu also urged traditional rulers in the state to always celebrate their ofala festival (coronation anniversary) and to use annual Ofala festivals not only as cultural celebrations but as platforms for engaging and educating their people.

“Traditional rulers should celebrate Ofala, gather their people and speak to them. It should be a forum for guiding and educating the people,” he said.

On On harmful cultural practices against the women, Igwe Asadu expressed support for gender equality, saying women have demonstrated immense leadership capacity and should be given greater opportunities in governance.

“I know the power of women. That’s why I support gender equality. We can have at least one female senator out of the three senators representing a state,” he said.
On cultural values, he said change was inevitable but warned against abandoning cherished traditions.

“Change is constant and we have to accept it. But our cultural values must not be thrown away,” he said.
He lamented what he described as the growing obsession among many young people with quick wealth, urging them to embrace hard work.
“Everybody wants to be an American. The youth now want to make money fast. I always tell them, ‘Aka aja aka na-ebute onu mmanụ’,” he said.
Igwe Asadu further disclosed that traditional institutions were working to eliminate harmful cultural practices, particularly female genital mutilation, while reaffirming his opposition to gender-based violence.
“We are trying to abolish female genital mutilation, and I am very big on ending gender violence,” he stated.

Highlighting his contributions to community development, the monarch said his reign has been defined by humanitarian service, with projects including a 20-bed community hospital, a food bank, roads, houses for the less privileged, scholarships, support for persons living with disabilities and other social interventions.
According to him, the community hospital is equipped with modern medical facilities and provides free healthcare services except for subsidised drugs.
“Everything there is free except the drugs. I bought the drugs, stocked them, and people only pay what it costs to replace them,” he said.
He added that he has built nearly 10 houses for indigent members of his community, provides a monthly stipend of ₦50,000 to 25 visually impaired persons and organises annual financial support for about 700 persons living with disabilities.
The monarch also said he has sponsored students abroad, funded kidney transplant patients, constructed about 3.2 kilometres of roads, installed streetlights and converted his late father’s yam barn into a community food bank.

Reflecting on his life, Igwe Asadu recounted how he arrived in the United States without knowing anyone and experienced homelessness before building a successful career and eventually returning to Nigeria to ascend the throne in August 2022.
“I didn’t know anybody when I arrived in America. I was homeless at first, but God was preparing me for something bigger,” he said.
He said within one year and two months of his coronation, he became Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, later Chairman of the South-East Traditional Rulers Council and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Council of Traditional Rulers of Africa.
On the suspension of some traditional rulers in Enugu State, Igwe Asadu said the matter had not been officially brought to his attention.

Advising the youths, Igwe Samuel Asadu, urged young people to embrace discipline, hard work, humility and respect, stressing that lasting success comes through good character rather than the pursuit of quick wealth.
Sharing the principles that have guided his life and leadership, the traditional ruler listed five key words everyone should live by: Please – Always be polite and humble in dealing with others.

Sorry – Do not hesitate to apologise when you are wrong.
Thank you – Show gratitude and appreciate every act of kindness.
Can I? – Seek permission and be respectful rather than acting arrogantly.
Excuse me – Be courteous and considerate in your interactions.
Igwe Asadu said these simple expressions reflect humility, respect and good upbringing, qualities that open doors and earn people favour in life.
He also advised youths to shun the obsession with making money overnight, lamenting that many now want instant wealth without hard work.
According to him, “Everybody wants to be an American. The youth now want to make money fast.”
He reminded them of the Igbo proverb, “Aka aja aka na-ebute onu mmanụ,” meaning that hard work brings prosperity and abundance.
The monarch stressed that success is built on honesty, diligence, patience and respect for others, urging the younger generation to uphold these values for a better future.