Chief Tochukwu Nwokoye Nwosu, a prominent traditional leader in Awka, Anambra State, has made a striking claim crediting two Awka natives—Sir David Nwume of Umuonaga village and Sir John Uzoka of Umuogbu village—with playing key roles in the creation and fabrication of the famed Buckingham Palace in London, England.
Nwokoye, who chairs the Awka Traditional Priests group (Otu Ndi Akajiofo Awka) and also holds the title of Oduma Awka, made the assertion while addressing journalists in Awka. He spoke against the backdrop of the dwindling celebration of the historic Ukwu Feast, a homecoming tradition that honors travelling blacksmiths and medicine men from Awka, many of whom historically plied their crafts across Southern and North Central Nigeria.
According to Nwokoye, the Ukwu Feast—celebrated just before June 27 following the Imoka Festival—coincides with the second lunar month of the Awka traditional calendar. It is a time when sons and daughters of the land return home to give thanks to Ukwugod (the deity of long journeys) and pay homage to their ancestors for safe travels and blessings.
He lamented that the once-vibrant celebration has faced serious decline due to what he described as an international conspiracy aimed at suppressing the cultural and technological advancement of the Igbo people, particularly Awka. He linked the decline to fallout from the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War (1967–1970), specifically pointing to the role of Ogbunigwe—a locally engineered bomb used by Biafran forces—which he said drew global attention to Awka’s blacksmithing prowess.
Nwokoye alleged that following the war, the Federal Government deliberately enacted policies to suppress Igbo ingenuity and particularly discouraged blacksmithing in Awka through the abandonment of apprenticeship support and heritage promotion.
Giving a historical context, he recounted that British colonial entry into Awka was facilitated by Agulu quarter, who invited Major Moorehouse to help them fight Amikwo quarter. However, this led to the unintended consequence of colonial domination. On January 5, 1905, British colonial rule was formally imposed when a Briton named Wayling was appointed the first District Officer in the area.
