By Chuks Eke
It was a celebration of love and gratitude for the creme de la creme of the society as they gathered at the Township Stadium, Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State to felicitate with His Majesty, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka III of Obosi Ukwalla kingdom (Igwe Ogalagidi ) during his 14th Obiora/ Iwaji festival celebration on the throne.
This year’s ceremony was described as the most prestigious so far as it witnessed a hand shake across the Niger with the attendance of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Onitan Ogunwusi; the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; the Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Asadu, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, former House of Reps. Member for Idemili North and South Constituency, Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezi (Ochiagha Idemili) and approximately 30 traditional rulers from within and outside Anambra State and others.
Also, Labour Party Governorship Candidate in the upcoming Anambra State Election, Chief George Moghalu, among others, graced the occasion to have their share in the rich cultural heritage of Obosi ancient kingdom.
In his royal speech, Eze Iweka III thanked God for bountiful harvests and His stupendous blessings this year, adding that yam harvesting period in Obosi brings a lot of excitement; just as their ancestors imposed a heavy fine on anyone who fights during the Obiora week.
The monarch who used the occasion to confer a Chieftancy title of Okosisi na eje mba 1 of Obosi kingdom on a Delta state born industrialist, Chief Gabriel Obojehren, urged his people to maintain peace from this year’s Obiora to the next.
As part of highlights of the ceremony, Eze Iweka also served children with roasted new yam and red oil garnished with native ingredients like oil bean, pepper and utazi vegetables.
According to the monarch, “This Obiora/Iwaji festival is the first one I am celebrating as Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC). This appointment by His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, our hard working Governor, 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 the smart schools programme. He has built rural roads and encouraged agriculture with free distribution of improved seedlings and agro-allied farm additives to farmers to recount just a few.”
“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 Eze Iweka III.
In his remarks, the President General of Obosi Development Union, ODU, Worldwide, Amb. Chimezie Obi Esq. appreciated God who has sustained Ndi Obosi in their various endeavors in different parts of the world where they live.
“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 and Chief Omezie Chukwurah (Ushia of Obosi) who described Igwe Iweka as Peoples’ cherished royal father, thanked the sponsors whose support made the new yam festival a huge success and memorable.
According to Obi and Chukwurah, “This year’s Obiora comes 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 labour, our resilience and commitment to one another”.
Igwe Surv. Charles Agbala of Uke, the President of Landlords of Obosi Urban, Chief Emeka Asimonye (Dikedioramma), Medical Director, Ezinne Children’s hospital, Onitsha, Dr. Mrs. Vivian Onwukwe (Mmiliaku Ogidi), Nze Tochukwku Obienu (Mbaburodike), Youth Chairmen OLMC Obosi, Tony Efobi and Nduka Chijindu, Idemili North Committee Chairman on Market, Engr. Emmanuel Idemili also attended the ceremony.
In their separate speeches, Igwe Agbala, Asimonye 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 years of festivities.
They thanked His Excellency, Governor Soludo for appointing Eze Iweka III into the elevated office saying that it was an honor well deserved for the experienced, versatile and educated king in the person of our own Eze Iweka III, who we all are proud of and with whom we are well pleased.
