Oni of Ife, Etsu Nupe, Obi Others in Attendance as Eze Iweka III Marks 14th Obiora/Iwaji Obosi

By Uzo Ugwunze

It was a celebration of Pomp and Pageantry as guests, friends, well wishers and Obosi Indigenes thronged the Obosi Township Stadium at Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State to felicitate with His Majesty, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka III of Obosi Ukwalla kingdom (Igwe Ogalagidi ) on his 14th Obiora/ Iwaji festival on the throne.

Oni of Ife, Oba Onitan Ogunwusi; the Etsu of Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, former House of representatives Member for Idemili North and South Constituency, Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezim(Ochiagha Idemili ),Over 30 traditional rulers from within and outside Anambra State, Labor Party Governorship Candidate in the Anambra State Elections, Chief George Moghalu, among others graced the occasion to participate in the rich cultural heritage of Obosi Community.

Eze Iweka III, in his speech thanked God for bountiful harvest and stupendous blessings. “The yam harvesting period in Obosi brings a lot of excitement;, our ancestors imposed a heavy fine on anyone who fights during the Obiora week. I urge our people to maintain peace from this Obiora to the next.

“This Obiora/Iwaji festival is my first as Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC). This appointment by His Excellency, our hard working Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Oluatuegwu is an honor to lead and represent our rich traditional heritage and the prestigious kings of Anambra State.

“The governor has performed immensely well in the development of the state, especially in security, manpower development with one-youth-two-skills initiative, free education and smart schools programme.

“He has built rural roads and encouraged agriculture with free distribution of improved seedlings and agro-allied farm additives to farmers.

“Our joy is not only in the bountiful harvest of yams but also in the peaceful atmosphere that enveloped the town. The peace we cherish is the testament of our unity and commitment to one another,” said Igwe Chidubem Iweka.

Moreover, President General Obosi Development Union ODU, Worldwide, Amb. Chimezie Obi Esq. described the event as the Jubilee season of Obosi kingdom.

“Obiora is our jubilee season – a time to forgive and let go of those vices and things that weigh us down. It is a period that makes a blend like a fine wine between pomp and pageantry and a reflection of our virtues of forgiveness, fraternity and filial bonding,” said Chimezie Obi.

In his speech, the Chairman of Obiora/ Iwaji 2025, Nze Ken Ifeatu Obi explained that 2025 edition of Obiora came with a renewed spirit of togetherness.

“As we partake in traditional rites and share the first yam of the season,let us reflect on the value of community and bonds that tie us together. The yam represents the fruits of our labor, our resilience and commitment to one another.

Contributing, A Philanthropist, CEO of Igboebisi Education Foundation IEF, Dr Kene Igboebisi advised people to always identify with their culture no matter whatever field of endeavor they find themselves. “Always know your culture,no matter where you are always come back occasionally to identify with your culture .If you understand your culture, you understand your roots. It will help you have balance and it will guide you in whatever you are doing in life”.

Igwe Surv. Charles Agbala of Uke, the President of Landlords of Obosi Urban, Chief Emeka Asimone (Dikedioramma), Medical Director, Ezinne Children’s hospital, Onitsha, Dr. Vivian Onwukwe (Mmiliaku Ogidi), Nze Tochukwku Obienu (Mbaburodike), Youth Chairman OLMC Obosi, Tony Efobi, Idemili North Committee Chairman on Market, Engr. Emmanuel Idemili in their separate speeches eulogized Igwe Chidubem Iweka for his efforts in promoting peace and security not just in Obosi but among other communities as the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council ASTRC praying God to keep him in good health to celebrate many more festivals.