Ezemaluwuo: King Over Truth Poem by *Tony Cemaluk Egbuonu

They called him EzeMaluKwuo, his chieftaincy title.
Not because he wore a crown,
but because he was king over truth.

He taught us:
'If the palace speaks justice and respect — I say 'Eziokwu'.
If it lies and oppresses — I say 'Mba'.'

That was my father.
Chief EzeMalukwuo Nwoye Egbuonu.
Merchant, but trader in principles.
Stall open to all. Heart closed to injustice.

He feared no lion,
yet could correct a rascal with just his name on my face.
'Nnaa putaba na ogu adighi ebe aga anu ya'
Calm down, son. That fight is not where you will fight it.

EzeMaluKwuo is not just a title.
It is a checkmate. A philosophy.
Comfort for the oppressed. Fear for the corrupt.

It means: A king is only king
when truth sits beside him.
And my father made sure truth had a seat.