A philanthropist in one of Anambra communities, High Chief Obiora Okonkwo received multiple traditional titles from some traditional rulers in Anambra State in recognition of his tremendous contributions to the development of the communities; especially in the area of promotion of culture and tradition. YOMI ODUNUGA who was in Ogidi, Anambra State reports that Okonkwo who holds the title of Dikeora Idemili, Anambra State, used the occasion to empower some widows and others less privileged individuals.
For High Chief Obiora Okonkwo, a political stalwart and businessman per excellence, the 2018 Yuletide will remain fresh in his heart. It was a period when his people in the entire Anambra Central Senatorial District honoured him not just with a chieftaincy title but also the kind of communal love that binds a people together.
Okonkwo, who holds the title of Dikeora Idemili, Anambra State, shone like a thousand stars before the people of the Senatorial zone, and also before the people of Umunya and Umuawulu kingdoms.
On the special occasion, Okonkwo added more feathers in his cap as the title of Mbuba Anafolu Mbulu N’ukpa was jointly conferred on him by all the traditional rulers of Anambra Central Senatorial District.
After the installation which took place on December 24, the Umunya Kingdom pulled him to the podium and conferred on him the title of EbekuoDike of Nya Kingdom, which makes him an honorary citizen of Umunya as well as a member of the cabinet of the Igwe Nya.
As if that was not enough, the Umuawulu Kingdom also invited him over and adorned him with yet another title as the Ugobueze, rounding off the unforgettable experience for man who, though is not contesting for any office in the 2019 general elections, has attracted the admiration of the people of Anambra State for his efforts in promoting the culture and traditions of the people as well as seek better understanding of the role of culture in the moral rejuvenation of the society.
December 24 began on a busy note for Okonkwo. As early as 7:00a.m., his palatial country home had been taken over by over 2,000 women, including the aged, the sick, widows, expectant mothers and more. As expected, all the women went home with items to celebrate the Yuletide, a gesture that Okonkwo was always eager to perform every year.
After observing Mass at his private chapel which was anchored by his brother, Rev. Fr. Ugonna Okonkwo who is also Director of Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, the largest private specialist hospital in Onitsha, Okonkwo was set for the day as he walked into the enchanting chants by the crowd of women.
Addressing the women, Okonkwo urged them to accept whatever little gifts he was able to make available to them. He also encouraged them to remain steadfast in prayers, even as he promised to do more to alleviate their situations.
His announcement that the gift items included clothing materials (wrappers) sent the women in wild jubilation as they sang songs in praise of Okonkwo’s generosity. Shortly after, the surging crowd became uncontrollable as each woman struggled to be the first to lay hands on the gift items. Order was restored when the security team at the venue, alongside Ogidi youths, stepped in and enforced calmness.
The handing out of the gifts, which included bags of rice, left the women dancing and thanking God for sending High Chief Okonkwo to them. As they sang and danced, the women prayed for more blessing and longevity for Okonkwo.
Satisfied that the crowd left his house happy, Okonkwo set out for the palace of the Igwe of Ukwulu, Igwe Peter Uganda, Ezedike Ukwulu, who is also Chairman of Anambra Central Senatorial Traditional Rulers’ Forum, for installation as Mbuba Anafolu Mbulu N’Ukpa.
He was accompanied on the journey by his home traditional ruler, Igwe Alex Onyido, Ezechuamagha of Ogidi Kingdom. Also on his entourage were traditional dance groups, the famous Ijele Inwelle, his wife, friends, associates and a horde of Ogidi people who saw in the honour on Okonkwo, a strategic recognition of the positive value he has added to life in Ogidi Kingdom. They all came colourfully dressed.
Okonkwo walked into the warm embrace of Anambra Central Senatorial Traditional Rulers’ Forum who welcomed him traditionally with 21 gun salute. He took time to go round to exchange traditional greetings with all the traditional rulers present. His presence electrified the Igwe Ukwulu’s palace as elites called out his name on huge elephant tusks.
After the traditional breaking of kolanuts and prayers for Okonkwo, and Anambra State in general, the Ezedike Ukwulu invited Igwe Ezechuamagha to lead his illustrious subject, Okonkwo to the podium for installation as Mbuba Anafolu Mbulu N’Ukpa.
Done with that, Igwe Ezechuamagha watched in admiration as the Chairman of Anambra Central Senatorial Traditional Rulers’ Forum, Ezedike Ukwulu, crowned Okonkwo; announcing him as the Mbuba Anafolu Mbulu N’Ukpa in Anambra State. He is the first to bear the title. As he was capped, Okonkwo also received other insignia of office before he was handed a certificate by the traditional rulers of Anambra Central.
What followed was merry making. There was enough to eat and drink for the crowd that witnessed the event. There was also enough display of traditional dances with colourful performance by the Ijele Inwelle.
His day was made. He would, however, return to Umunya Kingdom on December 29 where Igwe Umunya, Igwe Chris Onyekwuluje adorned him with yet another title as EbekuoDike. The colourful ceremony marked Igwe Onyekwuluje’s 21st anniversary on the throne of his forefathers.
On that day, Igwe Onyekwuluje called out 21 illustrious sons and daughters of Igbo land, including the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, Governor Willie Obiano and Senator Uche Ekwunife, among many others, for honour at an event chaired by Senator Ben Ndi Obi.
Like the Anambra Central Senatorial Traditional Rulers’ Forum, Igwe Onyekwuluje also said that Okonkwo was being honoured for his untiring effort in the promotion of culture and tradition in Anambra State. He praised Okonkwo for working steadily towards creating a better understanding of the role of culture in the moral rejuvenation of the society.
Prior to being honoured at Umunya, High Chief Okonkwo was guest of the Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, who, on December 29 of every year, hosts a luncheon for his friends and friends of the Archdiocese.
At the colourful ceremony which attracted prominent sons of the state, including former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, Senator Mike Ajaegbo and Chief Charles Odunukwe (Chadon), among other members of the National Assembly from the state, Archbishop Okeke announced that the annual event was his own way of specially celebrating the Yuletide, and to specially thank all those who have added value to the life of the Archdiocese, irrespective of their faith or denomination. He appreciated Okonkwo and others for adding colour to his day.
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