‘I’m The First Woman To Be Made Chief’ – Chimamanda Adichie Speaks On Chieftaincy Title

Award-winning Nigerian novelist and author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has broken silence, after bagging a chieftaincy title in her hometown in Anambra State.

Naija News earlier reported that Chimamanda was conferred with the title of Odeluwa, the writer of global acclaim, in Abba hometown on Friday, 30th December 2022.

Taking to her Instagram page on Wednesday, January 4, 2022, the renowned author expressed appreciation to the residents of Anambra and to the traditional monarch, Igwe Ezeh for the achievement.

According to the author, her father also received a similar title, however, she is the first woman to be conferred with a chieftaincy title in her hometown and it gives her great joy that more women will follow.

She wrote: “I am so grateful to my people of Abba in Anambra State for their warmth and love, for their enthusiastic support. And to Igwe L.N. Ezeh, who has always valued education, for giving me the title of “Odeluwa” — ‘the one who writes for the world.’ (My father received the title of “Odelora” — ‘the one who writes for the community” and the symbolism means very much to me.)

“I am the first woman in my hometown to be made a chief, and it makes me happy to know that more women will follow. Culture does not make people, people make culture. Cultures thrive when they best serve and reflect the people. Ours must become a culture that celebrates achievement, whether it comes from a man or a woman.

“It was a day filled with joyful moments but the highlight for me was the sight of many children on the dusty road, laughing and waving and shouting ‘Odeluwa!’ Amongst them, I hope, were little girls with their hearts full of dreams who feel encouraged to keep trying, to keep going”