By Chinyere Ihedioha PhD
On 26 December 2025, history was quietly but decisively rewritten in Amato-Alike Autonomous Community of Obowo Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. The coronation of Archbishop Ambassador Professor Lawrence Luba as the Traditional Prime Minister of Amato-Alike marked not merely a change in traditional leadership, but the unveiling of a long-hidden divine narrative—one that spans over two decades and defies cultural expectations, political ambition, and human orchestration.A Calling Rooted in Prophecy, Not Ambition Contrary to speculation and assumptions often associated with ascension to traditional authority, Archbishop Amb. Prof. Lawrence Luba’s emergence was neither lobbied nor self-engineered. In his public testimony, he revealed that the roots of his coronation date back to March 2003, when a prophetic word was delivered over his life by Evangelist Dr. Emma Isong (now Archbishop Dr. Emma Isong). That prophetic declaration, largely kept in the realm of faith and patience, spoke of a future role in leadership beyond the pulpit.Years later, in February 2023, while alone in a hotel room in Abuja, Archbishop Luba recounts a profound divine encounter. According to his testimony, God spoke clearly, declaring that he would become the Traditional Prime Minister of Amato-Alike. His response was one of genuine disbelief—not false humility. Within the cultural and traditional framework of his community, such a transition was considered impossible: his father was still alive and fully viable for the same position, and tradition forbade such succession under those circumstances.In response to his objection, he recalls the divine reassurance:“By this shall you know that it is I, the Lord, who has told you this. When it is time, your father will willingly hand over to you to take over the position.”Archbishop Luba kept this experience private, resisting any attempt to shape events around the prophecy. Then, in October 2024, the unimaginable happened—his father voluntarily called him and formally handed over the position. What was once culturally “impossible” became a living testimony, silencing every accusation of ambition and establishing a narrative of divine orchestration.In October 2025, another defining word followed. According to Archbishop Luba, the Lord spoke again, saying:“You are being chosen as the Traditional Prime Minister so as to midwife My Presence, My Glory, and My Power in Amato-Alike Autonomous Community.”Thus, the coronation of December 2025 was not merely ceremonial; it was prophetic fulfillment.
The Significance of a Clergy as Traditional Prime Minister
The emergence of a senior Christian clergy as a Traditional Prime Minister is both rare and symbolically powerful. In many African societies, traditional institutions and religious leadership often operate on parallel tracks. Archbishop Amb. Prof. Lawrence Luba represents a strategic convergence of spiritual authority, moral clarity, cultural stewardship, and community development.His position redefines traditional leadership—not as a seat of privilege, but as a platform for service, reconciliation, and transformation. It signals a new governance philosophy where tradition does not resist progress, and faith does not withdraw from societal responsibility.
Tangible Impacts: Leadership Beyond the Throne
What distinguishes Archbishop Luba’s leadership is not rhetoric, but measurable impact—much of it evident even before his formal coronation.
Healthcare Intervention (June 2025)
In June 2025, he single-handedly sponsored a comprehensive medical mission to Amato-Alike, bringing much-needed healthcare services to residents who would otherwise lack access. This humanitarian gesture addressed real needs and underscored a leadership style rooted in compassion.
Education and Youth Development (August 2025)
Demonstrating deep commitment to human capital development, Archbishop Luba fully funded free Summer classes for children from nursery to secondary school levels in Amato-Alike. This initiative bridged learning gaps, empowered families, and reaffirmed education as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Women Empowerment and Cultural Continuity (Amato Alike August meeting 2025)
He solely sponsored the 2025 August Meeting of Amato-Alike Women, a vital socio-cultural institution that strengthens unity, economic collaboration, and the voice of women in community affairs.
Sports, Unity, and Youth Engagement
He sponsored the Imo State U-13 Football Tournament, hosted in Amato-Alike, attracting teams from multiple local governments across Imo State and positioning the community on the state’s sporting map.He also sponsored the 2025 Amato-Alike Sports Fiesta, fostering unity, talent discovery, youth engagement, and communal pride amongst all the Age Grades in Amato Alike..These initiatives collectively reflect a leader who understands development as holistic—addressing health, education, gender inclusion, youth empowerment, and social cohesion.
A Philanthropist and Humanitarian at HeartBeyond titles and offices. Archbishop Amb. Prof. Lawrence Luba stands out as a philanthropist and humanitarian whose generosity is intentional, community-focused, and impact-driven. His interventions are not performative; they are sacrificial, often privately funded, and strategically targeted at the most pressing needs of his people.His life embodies a rare synthesis of faith, culture, intellect, diplomacy, and service, making him uniquely suited to navigate both traditional corridors and modern developmental challenges.
A New Dawn for Amato-Alike
The coronation of Archbishop Amb. Prof. Lawrence Luba as Traditional Prime Minister represents a new dawn for Amato-Alike Autonomous Community—a dawn defined by moral leadership, visionary governance, and divine purpose. It is a reminder that leadership chosen by God often arrives quietly, matures patiently, and manifests powerfully.Archbishop Amb. Prof. Lawrence Luba’s journey affirms a timeless truth: when destiny is God-authored, time, tradition, and opposition must eventually align. His life challenges leaders—traditional, religious, and political—to lead without ambition, serve without entitlement, and govern with conscience.As he mounts the throne of Traditional Prime Minister, the charge before him is clear: to continue midwifing God’s presence, glory, and power through justice, compassion, and inclusive development. For Amato-Alike, his leadership is not just a change of guard—it is a prophetic season, a call to hope, and a blueprint for what community leadership can become when purpose leads the way.
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