The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, is a man of many parts. He is, among others, a politician, community leader, social mobiliser and a Knight of Saint Christopher of the Anglican Church.
However, one aspect of him that has received little public attention is his respect and love for culture as well as the concomitant recognition he has received from custodians of the heritage. This was the part of him the deputy speaker bared open in lavish proportions to the world last Tueday when he appeared at the National Assembly in a colourful traditional chieftaincy regalia.
Ihedioha was the cynosure of all eyes as he alighted gracefully from his official flag car and sauntered majestically into main lobby of the white house building of the National Assembly. The trade mark green cap for which the deputy speaker is easily identified was missing. In its place was a high-end red cap, which identified him as a confirmed red cap chief. As he walked towards the Speaker’s office adjacent to the green chambers looking imposing in the flowing velvet black-shade flowery robe, he adorned, other-lawmakers joined him in several poises to the flashes and clicks of the ever-present paparazzi. The Ebube Mba 1 of Aba, Abia State, had arrived for work. A brisk show had just begun: the camera clicks, video filming, ‘royal’ back-slapping, loud shouts of ‘Igwe’ and broad laughter from honourable members continued well inside the chambers. It took several minutes before the House could settle down into the business of the day.
The deputy speaker was on the previous day conferred with his latest title, the Ebube Mba 1 of Aba which translates to mean the courage and confidence of the people, by the council of Traditional Rulers in Aba, Abia State. Surely, the task of a presiding officer of the National Assembly with all the mammoth responsibilities that come with it requires immense courage and confidence. The monarchs, who bestowed the title definitely, were on point.
Ihedioha, a lover of culture has been bestowed, with several chieftaincy titles in Imo State and beyond. These include Ezeugo of Nri, Anambra State; Ezienyi Uvuru Mbaise; Odoziobo Ngor Okpala; Udiukonamba Obinugwu; Omenkeahuruanya 1 of Mbaise and Aha Eji Aga Mba of Mbutu, all of Imo State.
And now from Abia comes the conferment of Ebube Mba 1 of Aba. The feathers keep coming to deputy speaker’s cap indeed!
