Her journey to power began when she fled her village to avoid a forced marriage. She found refuge in Nsukka, where she started working as a prostitute.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
While in Nsukka, Ahebi became close to the British colonial officers. She used these connections to gain influence and power. Her charisma and intelligence impressed the British, who appointed her as a warrant chief, an intermediary between the colonial government and the local people. This position gave her significant authority and control.
Ahebi’s rise didn’t stop there. She returned to her village, Enugu-Ezike, with the backing of the British. She declared herself king, a position traditionally reserved for men. Her claim was supported by the colonial administration, which valued her loyalty and administrative skills.
Ugbabe, who was the first and last king of Enugu-Ezike, ruled her people for 30 years until her death in 1948. She was 68.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE
King Ahebi Ugbabe could speak Igbo, Igala, Nupe, and Pidgin English. Thus, she held court cases in her palace while making money from the services. Women who had also been abused by their husbands escaped to Ugbabe’s palace, who then became their female husband.
Ahebi Ugbabe married wives for herself…by paying their bride price. She then looked for men who had intercourse with these wives and claimed the paternity of the children they bore. She assumed the role of a man and named the children after herself.
With the fear that her people might not accord her a rightful burial, Ahebi Ugbabe performed her own funeral rites in 1946, two years before her death>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE
