History Made As Enugu Catholic Priest Becomes Traditional Ruler, Replaces Ancestral Totems With Bible, Crucifix

History was made on November 3, 2026, in Lejja, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, as a Catholic priest, Msgr. George Uchechukwu Dine, was conferred with the traditional leadership title of Onyishi Amankwo, Eze Akaibute Lejja.

Msgr. Dine, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, hails from UmuDineOdogbo, comprising Uwu and Ohomu, with his umunna being Ezikelechi in Amankwo village, the oldest village in Akaibute Lejja.

The colourful ceremony attracted elders, parishioners, family members and visitors from across Lejja and beyond, and was filled with music, dancing, prayers and celebration as he was presented to the community.

The high point of the event came when Msgr. Dine held his Bible and Crucifix as his staff of office, instead of the usual traditional totems. Lejja is made up of three quarters: Ejuona, Uwani and Akaibute. As Onyishi Amankwo, Msgr. Dine now leads the thirteen villages under Akaibute Lejja.

The Onyishi title is traditionally bestowed on the eldest man in the village to serve as village head, preside over meetings and provide cultural leadership.

While the staff of office is usually represented by traditional totems, the cleric decided to skip the traditional rites and use Christian items instead.

The conferment has been described by community members as a blend of faith, culture and tradition, marking a new chapter for Akaibute Lejja.

The ceremony was attended by elders, parishioners, family members and visitors from across Lejja and beyond, who witnessed the historic moment as the priest assumed the traditional leadership role with his Bible and Crucifix in hand.