Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has sworn in the newly elected mayors and their deputies for the state’s 21 Local Government Areas, urging them to make accountability, lawful governance and service to the people the cornerstone of their tenure.
Soludo administered the oath of office at the Light House, Awka, on Saturday, following the local government elections held on Aug. 29, 2026, in which the council leaders were elected across the state.
The governor told the new mayors that their election marked the beginning of the real work of governance, charging them to make every day in office count and comply with relevant laws and administrative procedures.
“Congratulations and my commiserations to all of you as well,” Soludo said. “I know that when you were applying for the job, you had all manner of aspirations, promises and expectations. Welcome to the world of reality and the clock starts ticking today. The work has already begun.”
He urged the council leaders to take their oaths of office seriously, review their commitments regularly and remain mindful of their constitutional responsibilities to the people.
Soludo also directed them to study the handover notes from their predecessors and establish the true position of assets and liabilities in their respective councils, particularly in view of the challenges facing local governments.
While encouraging innovation, the governor cautioned the council heads against actions outside the law, stressing that effective local administration must be guided by established processes, rules and regulations.
He further tasked them with working towards a more sustainable local government system, noting that existing laws provide opportunities for councils to pool resources and manage common financial obligations more effectively.
Soludo urged the new officials to embrace the service-oriented principles of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), particularly its motto, “Be your brother’s and sister’s keeper”, and ensure that no community is left behind in the delivery of government services.
He reminded the mayors that previous political leaders had contributed to creating the conditions that enabled them to attain office, urging them to strengthen the system for those who would succeed them.
The oath-taking was administered by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, in the presence of Deputy Governor Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim and other senior government officials, including the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Barr. Ifeanyichukwu Ezeaka.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated council leaders, the mayors of Ayamelum, Mgbechi Igwebuike, and Ekwusigo, Ifeanyi Onuchukwu, pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorate and deliver on their mandate.
The newly sworn-in mayors are Kingsley Ezeagu (Aguata), Ifeanyi Chinweze (Anambra East), Tony Obierika (Anambra West), Paulinus Okafor (Anaocha), Thankgod Anago (Awka North), Chinedu Okafor (Awka South), Mgbechi Igwebuike (Ayamelum), Clement Ozumba (Dunukofia), Ifeanyi Onuchukwu (Ekwusigo), Stanley Nkwoka (Idemili North), Oluchukwu Ilogbenam (Idemili South), Anayo Orjiakor (Ihiala), Ikechukwu Okakpu (Njikoka), Anazodo Echezona (Nnewi North), Ezeogidi Vangeroge (Nnewi South), Nnamdi Ifejika (Ogbaru), Ibekwe Albert (Onitsha North), Peter Moufunanya (Onitsha South), Chinonso Nwafor (Orumba North), Mufunanya Ikechukwu (Orumba South) and John Igbem Elochukwu (Oyi).
The state government is expected to organise orientation retreats for the new council leaders to familiarise them with governance procedures, resource management and compliance with state laws as they begin their tenure.
