The Ezineze Mgbidi Autonomous Community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State has been thrown into deep mourning following the sudden death of its traditional ruler, HRH Igwe P. D. Uzochukwu (Ezudo I of Mgbidi), barely 24 hours before his 90th birthday and 38th coronation anniversary.
The monarch’s passing came as preparations were in top gear for the grand celebrations scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Billboards marking the milestone birthday had been mounted across the community, while indigenes had begun returning home in anticipation of the event.
The festive mood, however, turned somber when news emerged that the Igwe had been rushed to a hospital after developing health complications. He later passed away at a private hospital in the Enugu metropolis.
Confirming the development, Prince Emeka Uzochukwu said the palace was unprepared for the monarch’s sudden demise, explaining that Igwe Uzochukwu had gone for a routine medical check-up to ascertain his fitness for the celebrations before his condition unexpectedly worsened.
“Being with him at the hospital before he passed, it was difficult to accept that the Igwe was truly gone,” Prince Emeka said.
In honour of the late monarch, community members observed a minute of silence during a town hall meeting held at Central School, Mgbidi. The President General of the Mgbidi Central Union, Theophilus Nzeh, Esq., described the death as a monumental loss to the two autonomous communities in Mgbidi, commending the late Igwe’s years of dedicated service and enduring legacy.
Igwe Uzochukwu, who ascended the throne 38 years ago after succeeding Chief G. I. Oko, presided over the division of Mgbidi into two autonomous communities—Ezineze Mgbidi and Ezineri. He is widely remembered for his visionary leadership and significant contributions to the development and unity of his people.
