By Uzo Ugwunze
The throne was officially declared
vacant by the Spokesman, Nze na Ozo Akwuukwu, Ogbuefi Chief Nnamdi Ejimbe
(Nnanyelugo), making it open for activities leading to the selection and election
of a new Igwe to commence.
It was a festival for
traditional rulers, spirits, and masquerades, as the crème de la crème of Umu
Akwuukwu, both at home and in the Diaspora, thronged the palace of the late
monarch to bid him farewell on his journey to the great beyond.
Speaking during the occasion,
the Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Don
Onyenji, said that the community of Akwuukwu had prepared very well for the
last offala of their late Igwe, adding that Igbos believe that until a dead
person's funeral ceremony takes place, the person may not reach his destination
in the great beyond.
"Today, you can witness
the last offala of Igwe Ijikala 1 of Akwuukwu in our own style. Traditional
rulers came in numbers. There are Masquerade displays, women dance troupes,
enough eating, and drinking.
"Whether first, second, or
last, offala is the same. The difference is the person on the throne today who
dressed and danced the traditional dances the way the late Igwe used to do it.
"Without a last offala,
you cannot enthrone a new Igwe. After this, Akwuukwu may begin the search for
another traditional ruler for the vacant throne.
"Igwe is a symbol of
culture and tradition. The duty of a traditional ruler is enormous. He unites
and ensures that peace reigns in the community," Onyenji said.
According to the President
General (PG) Akwuukwu, Comrade Udoka Ejiakor KSM, today is the last Offala of
Igwe Thomas I Offorkaja and it has been a success. You saw when the seat was
declared vacant by the Nze na Ozo society.
"As the PG who was able to
ensure the successful celebration of this last offala after many years, I urge
Akwuukwu to embrace peace, dialogue, and understanding as we commence the
process of letting a new Igwe who will guide the town emerge.
"Ezenagu ora - Everyone
has an interest in becoming king, but you can have the spirit to say, for the
interest of peace, let me step down for my brother to become the Igwe,"
Ejiakor said.
The PG Emeritus, Mr. Uchenna
Anayo, said that he was happy that the program they initiated was being
accomplished: "This offala should have taken place over 30 years ago, but
all the same, it has come to pass. Akwuukwu has lagged behind in the area of
ozo titles, ndi ichie because there was no traditional ruler to coordinate them,
but after now progress and development will ensue."
Royal fathers who graced the
last Offala from the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC) in their
separate remarks advised Akwuukwu community to ensure a peaceful transition as
they go about selecting their next monarch, knowing that the community has lost
certain privileges for not having an Igwe for close to 30 years.
ASTRC Vice Chairman Anambra
Central Senatorial Zone, Igwe Surv. Charles Agbala of Uke, prayed that as the
community was able to eventually unite and hold the last offala with neither
violence nor court injunction, they should produce their next Igwe seamlessly.
Also, ASTRC Chairman, Idemili
South LGA, Igwe Engr. Nich Obi of Nnobi, advised Akwuukwu community to accept
anyone who eventually emerges, no matter the Akwuukwu family, kindred, village,
or quarters their next traditional ruler comes from, saying that it is not in
the interest of the LGA that any town operates without an Igwe.
HRH Sir Joseph C Ajodo from
ASTRC Anambra North Senatorial Zone and Igwe Peter Nebechukwu Ezeamama of Enugu
Umeonyia Orumba South LGA advised Akwuukwu to pray to God to give them the
right person who will be their king.
"They should follow their
Constitution and choose a wise, humble, and understanding person. Their choice
should not be based on riches, political connection, violence, or unhealthy
rivalry, knowing 'adi azo eze azo,' but God makes Kings," they said.
Earlier, the foster son of Late
Igwe Thomas Offorkaja Chief Sylvester Obi Offokaja (Ezeudo) and late Igwe's
grandson Mr. Nnamdi Offorkaja described the late monarch as a great man and a
peacemaker when he was alive, thanking Akwuukwu people, friends, and
well-wishers and everyone who came from far and near to show their last respect
to Igwe Ijikala 1 of Akwuukwu.
The Security Coordinator
Special Squad, Ifeanyi Obumneme, Youth president, Surv Patrick Obumneme, and
Youth Commander, Anthony Osadebe were all happy that the long overdue last
offala was taking place, saying that they will do their best to contribute to
ensuring that nobody uses the youths to foment trouble as Akwuukwu commences
the process of selecting a new monarch.
Dignitaries that made the
occasion colorful include the Idemili South LGA Chairman, Hon Mrs. Amaka Obi
(Iyom Ife-abata Idemili), Honorable councilors/liaison officers both present
and past, Traditional rulers from the three Senatorial zones in Anambra State.
Highlights of the occasion
include traditional ufie and abia dances, masquerade displays, women dance
troupe performances, among others.
Post a Comment