IGWE IWEKA - Anambra State Government Website

IGWE IWEKA INAUGURATES COMMITTEE FOR OBOSI CENTRAL PALACE

By Chiedu Uche Okoye :

The Traditional Ruler of Obosi in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State, Igwe Chidubem Iweka(Eze Iweka III), has inaugurated a committee that would raise fund for the building of the Obosi Central Palace as well as overseeing its construction.

The landmark ceremony which marked the beginning of a significant chapter in the history of Obosi took place at Igwe Chidubem Iweka’s royal palace.

Igwe Iweka, who expressed immense joy at the idea of building an Obosi Central Palace that would befit future successive kings of Obosi, prayed for the reign of peace in Obosi and the successful completion of the project.

In his remarks, the President General of the Obosi Development Union(ODU), Chimezie Obi (Esq), went down memory lane, stating that the traditional ruling institution in Obosi has existed for centuries.

He said that for eon periods, spanning the ancient times and the modern period, no past kings of Obosi had lived in palaces that befitted their statuses as the kings of the ancient Obosi kingdom.

The PG said that the situation of not having a modern central palace for Obosi king(s), which is incongruous with existent realities and the people’s expectations, spurred them to moot the idea of raising fund for the building of the Obosi Central Palace.

The Chairman of the Fund-Raising Committee For The Building of the Central Palace, Mr. Eric Anyamene, promised that the money realized from the fund-raising would be used prudently for the execution of the building project.

He stated that honesty and transparency would undergird the committee’s financial dealings, saying that the committee would publish its financial updates/statement, monthly.

The proposed Obosi Central Palace and Iba-Adike would be built at a historical site where the five villages of the Obosi-inland town intersected, which is symbolic of Obosi people’s unity and oneness.

They would be situated in-between the Obosi township stadium and the Afor-adike market, and on the pieces of land adjoining them from the four cardinal points.

The sixteen-man committee has Mr. Eric Anyamene as its chairman while Chimezie Obi (Esq) is the secretary. The committee was charged with raising fund for the building of the Obosi Central Palace and Iba-Adike as well as overseeing their execution so as to ensure their speedy and seamless completion.

The gargantuan building project, which is estimated to cost a whopping sum of N700 million is expected to be completed within 24 months.

* Okoye is of the Ministry Of Information, Anambra State *

IGWE IWEKA HONOURS EX-PG OVER HUMANITARIAN SERVICES

By Juliana Nwachukwu :

Igwe Chidubem Iweka III, the traditional ruler of Obosi, country home of former Secretary General of the Common Wealth of Nations, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, has honoured a former President General (PG), of the community, Chief Mike Ikegulu, for his services to God and man when he was the PG.

Conferring him with the chieftaincy title of ‘Ndichie Owulu,’ the monarch reminded him that the honour means more work to the people, adding that he should use his position to assist in the development of the community

“You did very well as former PG and that is why we resolved to elevate you to the high rank of Ndichie Owulu for your services to God and man. It is a pay back to you for the task ahead to repeat your good work which you did as former PG,” the monarch said.

Responding, the newly crowned Owulu vowed to abide by the oath of office and constitution of the community even as he commended the monarch for finding him worthy to be so honoured.

“Ndichie is an elevation, more work, like the monarch said, giving service to the community. I will discharge my duty to the best of my knowledge,” he assured.

On why it took him so long to be conferred with the title, he said that he was not interested until now, adding that he enjoyed the traditional social activities and prayed that this yuletide period will be peaceful and next year bountiful harvest.

Expressing satisfaction with the honour done to Ikegulu, the traditional head of Isiowulu village, Chief Godwin C. Osakwe, thanked God for the elevation of the beneficiary, adding that he is one of the leading personalities in the village.

“It is my pleasure to see him crowned as Owulu. I wish the people peace and every good thing this yuletide period. The new Owulu will give succour to the people,” he assured.

Felicitating him for the honour done him, the Southeast Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Chief Dr. Augustine Udeozor, said that the beneficiary is his age mate and that he, Udeozor was the first to take the title of Owulu but in the Ozor title category.

“So because the newly crowned Owulu liked the name he decided to have it as his title name. The meaning of Owulu is like the biblical rejected stone that has become the corner stone of the building.

“I was conferred with the Owulu Ugonabo chieftaincy title in 2015 and I want to advise the new Ndichie Owulu that he should work without fear or favour,” he posited.

In his own contribution, the President, Onitsha Sports Club, Chief Dan Okafor, said that the newly conferred Owulu is their club member which prompted them to be here to felicitate Owulu on his elevation.

“This shows you that we are also interested in tradition. As the former PG of Obosi who performed excellently, the monarch decided to pay him back, though service to the people, “he further explained.

Ikegulu sibling, Deaconess Mrs Ogochukwu Nwachukwu, said that it was a special day for the family as everything went as planned for the occasion.

“With this elevation of my brother by the monarch, there are things that we will not involve ourselves in. We are now looked upon as those who stand by the truck in all we do.

“As a medical doctor, the beneficiary can now counsel and also administer drugs to patients as the two are similar. Hearing and deciding cases brought before Chief Ikegulu and also seeing to his patients,” she stated.

Earlier, the National Association of Seadogs led by Chima Egonu Okala, said that they were present to felicitate with their former leader who has been elevated by the monarch.

“This association is for humanitarian services, we settle cases, service to humanity. So today is Ikegulu’s day and that is why we are here,” he noted.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State