Queen Ugobeze Crowned Sovereign Grand Matriarch of Pan African Royalties Worldwide

By Olisemeka Obeche

The Chairperson of Ikenga Abiama Dynasty Foundation of Igboland, Her Imperial Royal Majesty, Amb. Dr Uba Iwunwa, Queen Ugobeze has been officially elevated to the position of Sovereign Grand Matriarch of the 21st Century Pan-African Commonwealth Royalties Worldwide.

The formal Investiture was performed by by His Imperial Royal Majesty, Prof. King Barthsy Ojoi Enebiene Aba Obazi IV at a brief ceremony held at the Headquarters of the Divine Institute of Chaplaincy Corps International, DICCI, Lagos Nigeria on November 1, 2025.

The appointment of Queen Ugobeze as new Sovereign Grand Matriarch, according to king Obazi, was aimed at reinvigorating the role of royalty in championing the dignity, unity, and progress of African people worldwide.

King Obazi, in his brief address highlighted the critical need for visionary leadership within the African royalties and political institutions to navigate the complexities of the 21st century.

“Today, we do not merely bestow a title; we ignite a beacon. The title of Sovereign Grand Matriarch is a mantle of responsibility, a call to action for the nurturing and advancement of our collective Pan-African heritage. The 21st century demands of us not to be mere custodians of a glorious past, but architects of a more glorious future.”

On the Choice of Queen Ugobeze, he said: “In Queen Ugobeze, we see the embodiment of the virtues this role demands: intellectual prowess, unwavering cultural pride, diplomatic grace, and a maternal heart that embraces all. Her life and works have consistently demonstrated a commitment to lifting others, making her the quintessential Matriarch for our time and for our commonwealth.”

He charged Iwunwa to use her new position for greater good for the ordinary people, especially the womenfolk.

“I therefore charge you to use this sacred platform to bridge kingdoms, to heal divisions, and to champion the cause of the African girl child, both at home and in the diaspora. Your voice must now resonate as a unifying force for royalty and commoner alike.”

“With these words, King Obazi IV formally conferred the title, entrusting Queen Ugobeze with the monumental task of steering the Pan-African Royal Commonwealth towards greater relevance and impact.

In her speech, the newly decorated Sovereign Grand Matriarch accepted the honour with a deep sense of duty and a clear-eyed vision for her mandate.

“With a heart full of gratitude and a spirit steeled for service, I humbly accept this historic role as your Sovereign Grand Matriarch. I hereby pledge before this august assembly and to the ancestors, to dedicate my energy and influence to elevate the African Royalties to a greater height.

“We shall move beyond ceremony to substance, leveraging our collective influence to foster education, economic empowerment, and cultural exchange across the African continent and its diaspora. Our thrones shall become platforms for progress.”

Ugobeze also paid homage to her ethnic origin, pledging to make the Igbo, Nigerian and African women proud.

“This crown is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Igbo woman. As a proud daughter of Igboland, I make it my sacred duty to uplift the dignity of the Igbo woman, the Nigerian woman, and indeed, the African woman worldwide.

“We shall shatter ceilings, challenge stereotypes, and ensure that our daughters see in my story a reflection of their own limitless potential.

We will launch initiatives focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the preservation of our unique cultural heritage, ensuring our women are not just participants, but leaders in every sphere of human endeavor.”

The Canadian based author and actress further disclosed that her mission extends beyond geographical boundaries.

“I will work tirelessly to present a new, dignified narrative of Africa and its people to the world. We will engage with global institutions, forging partnerships that recognize the critical role of traditional institutions in sustainable development and peacebuilding.”