Outrage as Mbaukwu Monarch Donates Ancestral Palace to Catholic Church

A storm of controversy has erupted in Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, following the decision of the community’s traditional ruler, Igwe Peter Anugwu, to donate his palace to the Catholic Church. The unprecedented move has sparked debate, with some praising his generosity while others question the implications for the town’s cultural heritage.

Igwe Anugwu handed over the palace to the Pallottines, a Catholic congregation known for evangelization and charity, in a ceremony attended by high-ranking clerics, including their Superior General, Father Zenon Hanas, who flew in from Rome for the occasion. The monarch claimed the decision was a way to appreciate God’s blessings, but critics argue it raises concerns about the secular nature of traditional leadership.

Supporters, including Anambra’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, who is from the community, described the act as a selfless gesture. He called on the Pallottines to ensure the palace remains accessible to all, regardless of denomination. However, some community members fear that surrendering a key cultural symbol to the church could erode indigenous traditions and marginalize non-Catholic residents.

The controversy also comes at a time when Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has been vocal about religious harmony. While the church has assured inclusivity, concerns persist over whether the historic seat of traditional leadership should have been handed over to a religious institution at all.

As the debate rages on, many are left wondering: is this an act of faith, or a dangerous precedent that could alter the balance between religion and tradition in Igbo culture?