Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has shared extraordinary details about his father, Ezekiel Nwifuru Nwankpu, who was recently crowned the first traditional ruler of Oferekpe Agbaja autonomous community in Izzi Local Government Area.
During the coronation event held at the Oferekpe Agbaja Primary School 2 field, Nwifuru revealed that his father married over 30 wives, 19 of whom bore him 108 children. He explained that some wives were removed from the family for not bearing children, leaving the patriarch with 17 wives currently. Among his children, 21, including Governor Nwifuru himself, are university graduates.
The governor attributed his father’s polygamy and resilience to the victimization and intimidation he endured from the community. According to Nwifuru, his father was subjected to years of humiliation, including the forceful seizure of his farmland and the demolition of his house without cause.
“This field we are in today belonged to my father. In the late ’70s and early ’80s, we farmed here amidst palm trees,” Nwifuru recalled. “But the community drove us out, demolished our house, and relocated us to the edge of our land.”
Despite these challenges, Nwifuru expressed gratitude that his father’s perseverance has culminated in his recognition as the pioneer traditional ruler of the newly created Oferekpe Agbaja autonomous community.
“My father, who was treated as a slave, is today the traditional ruler of this community. It is a moment of joy for our family,” the governor stated.
The establishment of Oferekpe Agbaja as an autonomous community is part of Nwifuru’s administration’s efforts to foster growth and development in Ebonyi State. This recognition not only restores dignity to his family but also marks a significant chapter in the community’s history.
