The newly installed traditional ruler of Uvuru Autonomous Community in Imo State, Eze Iheanacho Chinyereze Mbalewe, has called on residents to embrace peace and unity as the foundation for sustainable development.
Eze Mbalewe, who ascended the throne on December 17, 2025, as Ezeoha III of Uvuru, made the appeal during his inauguration ceremony, where he stressed that progress can only be achieved through collective effort.
Describing his emergence as a “new dawn” for the community, the monarch pledged to lead with fairness, reconciliation and a commitment to the common good, urging residents to set aside past grievances.
He announced plans to embark on community rebuilding initiatives and invited indigenes, friends and associates of Uvuru to support development efforts aimed at improving living standards.
The monarch disclosed that within a week of his coronation, he had already sponsored empowerment and skills acquisition programmes, including scholarships, as part of his development agenda.
Ezeoha III also appealed to individuals causing unrest in the community to redirect their energies toward peace, referencing a prolonged legal dispute that had stalled growth in Uvuru for about 15 years.
He expressed appreciation to the Imo State Government, the Aboh-Mbaise local authorities, neighbouring communities, traditional rulers and security agencies for their support and for ensuring a successful coronation.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, from the neighbouring Mbutu community.
Uvuru Ikedinairi Ancient Kingdom received formal recognition from the Imo State Government on January 1, 1980, with the coronation of Eze Reuben Ugwuegbulem Mbalewe as Ezeoha I.