His Eminence, Eze Bernard Onyenguzo Enweremadu, the traditional head of Ngwa land in Abia State and monarch of Ngwaukwu Ancient Kingdom is dead. Aged 77.

His first son and Crown Prince of Ngwaukwu, Rt Hon Christopher Enweremadu, broke the sad news on Sunday in a statement made available to journalists in Umuahia. According to him, the late highly revered monarch died peacefully, adding that plans for his burial will be announced in due course.

The late monarch, who the second traditional ruler to serve as Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers after the creation of the state in 1991, was the head of Ngwa ethnic nationalities, made of seven local government areas of Abia State.

He was outspoken and full of wisdom as he dished out Igbo nay Ngwa proverbs in his speeches with relish. He was conferred with numerous local, national and international awards while alive.

He was crowned King in 1976 in the Old Imo State. Sources close to his Palace said he underwent a major surgery at an undisclosed hospital in Abuja the Federal Capital Territory, but could not survive the surgery.

The late monarch is survived by 13 wives and many children and grand children, amongst whom is Rt Hon Christopher Enweremadu, former Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly.