Friday, August 13, 2021 promises to be very significant in the annals of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), as the remains of late Eze Ogba, His Eminence, Oba Chukumela Nnam Obi II would be committed to mother earth in Omoku Town, headquarters of ONELGA.
Already, streams of guests are emptying into the oil rich town to witness the august ceremony which, the Crown Prince, Barrister Nwachuku Nnam Obi III, have promised to be very auspicious and memorable.
Coming as the first of its kind since the death and burial of the late Oba’s predecessor, Oba Wokoma Obi in April 1970, expectations would be high as Chukumela Nnam Obi II’s burial would certainly be witnessed by an incomparable audience.
Most certainly, the who-is-who in the traditional institution in Rivers State would attend the event in their numbers, come Friday. Only a fortnight ago, the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom and Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Dandison Douglas Jaja led a high-powered delegation of royal fathers on a condolence visit to the people of Ogbaland where he disclosed that a Valedictory Session would be held in honour of the late Oba today (Wednesday, August 11, 2021), while promising full participation by members of the Council during the burial.
It is also expected that as a royal father of national and international status, traditional rulers from other parts of the country, and even beyond would be in Omoku to honour and pay their last respect to Oba Chukumela Nnam Obi II, who in 2020 celebrated 50 years on the throne, arguably the longest serving traditional ruler in Nigeria.
However, on the lips of many, especially students of history, would beg the question whether the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II or his emissaries would be gracing the event. This became apparent given the acclaimed historical affiliation which Ogba have with Bini. However, as at press time, it could not be ascertained whether Oba Ewuare II whose fifth and youngest wife, Queen Aisosa recently gave birth to a set of quadruplets.
But, all said and done, the stage is set for the epoch-making burial of one of the greatest traditional rulers of all times.
National Network reporter who went round Omoku Town and its environs, said hotels, eateries and other hospitality spots are gearing up for the D-Day. Notable places like Krisdera Hotels 1, 2, 3, and major hotels in Omoku like PF Golden Hotel and Suites, Royal Fortress, Kings Resort, Fancrid, Abiama Rising etc, are already expectant with visible signs of re-jigging 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 two days the late Oba’s burial.
A driver in one of the fleets of the popular ONELGA Mass Transit Company, said he is already witnessing brisk business .
“Oba was a big masquerade or what the Igbo people call Nnukwu Mmanwu. Omoku Town and beyond are already filled with visitors. We drivers are fit and ready for any challenge”, said the driver who simply identified himself as Mike.
The Oba (Eze Ogba) of Ogbaland was a legendary royal father who etched his name in gold due to his leadership ingenuity.On Friday, December 19, 2020 the monarch took the world by storm with a double celebration of 80th birthday and 50 years on the throne, an event held in his Palace in Omoku that drew the high and mighty from Nigeria and beyond.
The man who was destined to shape and influence the Ogba kingdom was presented to mankind on 20th November, 1940 through the Royal Family of Umueze-Ogba, Umu-Okoya-Umuebe kindred of Ogba.
The father of His Eminence, Obuoha Obi of Umu Eze-Ogba (Umuebe) kindred in Omoku, was a Crown Prince of Ogbaland. His mother hailed from Umunkaru Kindred. The late Eminence was happily married to three wives (and blessed with thirty (30) lovely children.
Late Oba of Ogbaland had a royal birth and a royal spoon in his hand which he did not use until he adequately discovered himself via the instrumentality of education.
Hear his account in his autography: “In spite of his royal birth, the young Chukumela had a rather poor and humble background. Things were extremely austere and difficult for him. His Eminence waded through the muddy waters of life and at youth, faced the vicissitudes of life alone, abandoned to the buffeting winds of fate”.
The following observation clearly depicts the challenges faced by the young Chukumela Obi. His ‘destiny’, to use the veritable words of H.C. Dietrich, ‘was decided by cosmic roll of the dice, the whims of the stars, the vagrant breezes of fortune that blow from the windmills of the gods’.
Despite these fundamental challenges he went through sedentary education in 1952 at the Methodist School, Sabongari, Kano State where his exceptional brilliance made him to skip two classes. He continued his primary education outside Kano and finished with distinction in 1959.
The challenges of life became excruciating for the young Chukumela in the early 1960 shortly after independence but he found solace in farming and fishing with which he sustained himself.
