…As Traditional Rulers Council Holds Valedictory Session, Thursday August 12
As an acclaimed philosopher, the late Oba of Ogbaland, Chukumela Nnam Obi II believed, and rightly so, that death only kills a man and not his name.
Even at that, there are names and there are names! Like in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, all animals are equal but some are more equal than others. Late Eze Ogba, Oba Chukumela Nnam Obi II belonged to that class of mortals of higher pedestal, who shone and glittered all through his life on earth.
Ogba people are not mourning but celebrating a life well spent – the exit of a colossus and great man of inestimable value.
They would not be decked in a mourning toga but would don their ceremonial garb.
And so, for the people of Ogba Kingdom, the late Eze Ogba lives on. Come Friday, August 13, 2021, all roads will lead to the ancient town of Omoku, headquarters of Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area where the late monarch, who in his 50th year on the throne in 2018, emerged Nigeria’s longest serving king, will be laid to rest.
Already, arrangements has reached top gear for the all important burial ceremony with the Rivers State Government promisinh to deploy resources and give the late monarch a befitting burial,
National Network gathered that the 13-man Local Organising Committee (LOC) has since swung into action towards a peaceful and hitch free interment for the late Eze Ogba.
Chaired and co-chaired by Crown Prince (Barr) Nwachuku Nnam Obi and Bro. Felix Amaechi Obuah respectively, with Elder Emmanuel Nwabrije as Secretary, sources from the burial LOC said although the historic event is 23 days to go, all preparations towards successful burial is 75 percent reaready.
Our reporter who went round Omoku Town and it’s environs, said hotels, eateries and other hospitality spots are gearing up for the D-Day.
Notable places like Krisdera Hotel 1, 2, 3, and major hotel in Omoku like PF Golden Hotel and Suites, Royal Fortress, Kings Resort, Fancrid, Abiama Roses etc, are already expectant with visible signs of rejiging as the day approaches.
Ogba Guest House in Obrikom is also not left out of the fray. Even in the hinterlands, it was observed that some hotels which had been groaning over lack of patronage, are eagerly awaiting the moment as many guests could be preferring the serenity at the outskirts.
Some transporters who spoke to National Network expressed hope of brisk business especially a week to the late Oba’s burial.
A driver in one of the fleets of the popular ONELGA Mass Transit Company, said he is looking forward to a business boom days to the burial.
“Oba was a big masquerade or what the Igbo calls Nnukwu Mmanwu. We are expecting visitors from all parts of the country and beyond. We drivers are fit and ready for any challenge”, said the driver who simply identified himself as Mike.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers says it would hold a valedictory session on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at the Council Auditorium in Port Harcourt in honour of the late Ogba monarch.
The Council through a statement signed by Secretary, Ogwuokwa Matthew Jonah said a delegation of monarchs of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers will visit the late Oba’s palace on Wednesday, 21st July, 2021 for a condolence visit.
