Top AU Officer Bags Dual Traditional Titles In Imo
A distinguished executive of the African Union (AU), previously known as the Organization of African Unity (OAU), Sir Kennedy Ikechukwu Enyereibe Emeana, was over the weekend honored with esteemed traditional titles by two prominent monarchs in his native Imo State, Nigeria.
On Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Palace of the Traditional Ruler of Umuokanne Autonomous Community in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, Sir Emeana was awarded the traditional title of Akachi 1 of the community.
The ceremony was presided over by His Royal Majesty, Ambassador Dr. M. C. Nwokema, Okay Omee IV.
The festive atmosphere surrounding the title conferment set the tone for the subsequent celebratory events that followed, including a second title conferment and a post-conferment reception at his ancestral residence on Madumere Street, Owerri, the capital city of Imo State.
The second title conferment took place at the Palace of His Royal Majesty Eze Emmanuel Okoro, Ph.D., the traditional ruler of Ihitaoha Uratta Autonomous Community in the Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from various sectors in Nigeria, as well as some of Sir Emeana’s international associates.
In his remarks following the conferment of the title Ike Igbo 1 of Ihitaoha Uratta Autonomous Community on Sir Emeana, Eze Emmanuel Okoro noted that the AU envoy’s commendable contributions have endeared him to the palace and the Igbo community, warranting his recognition as Ike Igbo.
He highlighted Sir Emeana’s significant role in assisting many Nigerians, particularly those from Igboland, in securing meaningful employment abroad.
The Palace Secretary, Engineer Enoch Ekeopara, echoed the monarch’s sentiments, expressing the joy of the entire Igboland over Sir Emeana’s support for the community.
By 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, the reception venue on Madumere Street, Owerri, was already filled to capacity.
The gathering included dignitaries, traditional dance troupes, and masquerade displays. High Chief Emeana, a devoted admirer of his cultural heritage, participated in the dance performances of the Mbaise people and Omenimo.
Guests were treated to an array of traditional cuisines and a selection of local and international beverages.
High Chief Emeana holds his dual titles in high regard. When asked about his decision to accept two traditional titles in the same weekend, he expressed the belief that two is invariably better than one.
He further suggested that his contributions to the welfare of others might have influenced the traditional rulers’ decision to honor him. Sir Emeana vowed to continue his efforts, emphasizing that the recognition would motivate him to achieve even greater accomplishments in the future.
He stated, “Indeed, two is better than one! One is a limitation, while more than one signifies growth. Societal recognition is based on your good deeds. I have enhanced the lives of individuals both in Nigeria and South Africa, assisting the unemployed in securing full employment, and empowering the youth, widows, orphans, the homeless, and others in need.
“I have made donations in support of communities in Igboland. It is due to these contributions that both Kings, HRM, Amb. Dr. M. C. Nwokema, Okaa Omee IV of Umuokanne, Ohaji/Egbema, and HRM Dr. Emmanuel Okoro, Eze Ihitaoha of Uratta, Owerri, have coronated me to serve in their respective cabinets.”
