Tradition and cultural heritage took centre stage in Ubie Kingdom on Thursday, November 12, 2026, as His Royal Majesty, Eze Hon. Okpokiri Augustine Maxwell JP, PhD, Eze Ubie Logbo IV, formally inducted two paramount rulers into the prestigious Ubie Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs.
The inductees are the Paramount Ruler of Odiereke-Ubie Community, Chief James Ogwu, and the Paramount Ruler of Ebiriba II Community, Chief Okpara Sampson.
The colourful induction ceremony was held at the Palace of Eze Ubie Logbo, Ula-Ubie, the ancestral home of the Ekpeye people.
Both traditional rulers underwent the full traditional rites and ceremonies associated with admission into the council. Following the successful completion of the rites, the Eze Ubie Logbo IV formally pronounced them members of the Ubie Council of Chiefs.
In his response, Chief James Ogwu expressed profound gratitude to the Ubie monarch for finding him worthy of induction into the council.
He described the induction as a significant milestone in his traditional leadership journey, noting that the position had placed on him a greater responsibility to promote, protect and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Ubie Kingdom.
Chief Ogwu further pledged his commitment to working closely with members of the Ubie Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs to sustain the age-long traditions, customs and cultural values of the people.
In his remarks, the Ubie monarch commended the people of Ubie Kingdom and the entire Ekpeye nation for their cooperation, solidarity and support towards the successful burial and funeral ceremonies of the late HRH Eze ThankGod Okedike Gilbert JP, Eze Igbu Ukani-Ula Ekpeye Logbo.
He described the successful burial as a demonstration of unity, respect for traditional institutions and the enduring cultural values of the Ekpeye people.
The monarch urged traditional rulers, chiefs and community leaders to continue to work together in the interest of peace, unity and the development of Ubie Kingdom.