In a world where cultural heritage and traditional values are increasingly threatened, His Imperial Majesty Dr. Prosper Chukwuka stands tall as a beacon of hope and a shining example of Igbo excellence. As the revered Ezeigbo Gburugburu worldwide, he has been a steadfast custodian of Igbo culture and tradition, working tirelessly to promote and preserve the rich heritage of the Igbo people.
His Imperial Majesty’s commitment to philanthropy is equally impressive, with a long history of selfless gestures that have touched the lives of countless individuals and communities. His generosity and kindness have earned him numerous accolades and recognition, including a prestigious honorary doctorate degree from the esteemed School of the Spirit Bible Training Centre in Lima, Ohio, USA.
In this exclusive interview, His Imperial Majesty Dr. Prosper Chukwuka shares his thoughts on his role as a custodian of Igbo culture and tradition, his philanthropic efforts, and his vision for the future of the Igbo people.
Interview
Q: Can you introduce yourself to us?
A: My name is His Imperial Majesty Dr. Prosper Chukwuka, Eze Igbo Gburugburu (World-wide), that is, the king of Igbo in Nigeria and the diaspora, Eze Omeiheukwu (the king that does great things).
Q: Why did you accept the position of Eze Gburugburu (World-wide)?
A: They told me to become the Eze Gburugburu, and I accepted it because I am so much in love with Igbo people all over the world. And I am one of the highest Igbo philanthropists we have in the whole world. I have helped so many people, and still, irrespective of tribe, religion, and age. And they are grateful for what God is using me to do.
Q: You have traveled across the globe because of your conglomerate businesses, but you still maintain Igbo culture and tradition undiluted. What is your background on Igbo culture and tradition?
A: From day one, I am a traditional man, right from the village. Even before they gave me the king of Igbo World Wide, I have collected about seven different titles from my village and our town Awka in Anambra. Some of the titles are: Akubuike, Ochendo Ndigbo, Ego Bu Ugo, Ogbueagu, Obata Obie, and others. So, from there, I know everything about Igbo tradition and culture.
Q: What message do you have for Ndieze that are not maintaining Igbo culture and tradition, so that they will learn from you, as you are keeping legacies for our upcoming generations to learn?
A: I, as the father of Ndieze World-wide, because as the king of Eze World Wide, Eze Igbo general automatically, I am the king of kings. So, my advice to other Ezes that are not maintaining culture and tradition of Ndigbo is for them to pick up and maintain the rules of tradition and culture because it is important. So, when people come to their palace, if they don’t know culture/tradition, they will learn from their palace, especially their attire, speech, and total disposition of Igbo Culture and tradition.
Q: You were awarded a prestigious Doctorate degree Certificate from the esteemed School of the Spirit Bible Training Centre in Lima, Ohio, USA, in affiliation with the Truth and Light Bible School in Lagos. How do you feel about the honorary doctorate given to you by the Bible School?
A: I am very happy for the elevation to honorary doctorate certificate given to me because now, from today, after they have given the certificate, my title has changed to His Imperial Majesty Dr. Prosper Chukwuka.
Q: You have done a lot of extraordinary philanthropic gestures and are still doing them, especially to widows, widowers, orphans, and the elderly. What inspired you to do this, and this year, 2024, you have done the eighth edition of support to the underprivileged, which runs to millions. What inspired your passion?
A: I am assisting people because I know that there is a blessing in giving, and by my nature, I am a giver, not even only that one. I used to visit others in tough conditions and support them, even before I became Eze Igbo Gburugburu (World-wide).
Q: You have an able cabinet member and council of elders comprising men of integrity. Can you tell us their numbers?
A: I have about fourth council of elders, about two hundred cabinet members, the people I have coronated in my palace since I was installed as king of Igbo World-wide on 12th November, 2023…