Oba’s Final Rites Of Passage: Carnival As Prominent Nigerians Storm Omoku, Pay Tribute

…Roll Call: Jonathan, Wike, Diri, Lawan, Obuah, Others

Nigerians from different walks of life poured into Omoku, headquarters of Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) to pay their last respects as the late famed Eze Ogba, Oba Chukumela Nnam Obi II, was buried on Friday.  The burial brought to end, the reign of one of the greatest traditional rulers in Ogba modern history.

Adding to the aesthetics of Omoku, flags were pinned from all entry points into the town, prompting visitors that something great has happened in the land!  Although most of the guests could not physically grace the event, they however sent representatives while also penning down tributes to extol the sterling qualities of the late Ogba monarch.

Worthy to mention was the fact that true to the custom and tradition of Ogba people, several families volunteered their premises as ‘reception ground’ for visitors, providing entertainment with food, drinks and cultural displays.

A list of dignitaries who wrote tributes to the late iconic traditional ruler,include former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; Rivers State Governor, Chief (Barr) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike; his Bayelsa State counterpart, Senator Douye Diri; Senate President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan; Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Senators, Members of the House of Representatives; Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani and members of the State Assembly, Ministers and Commissioners, among others.

Traditional and religious leaders in and outside the state were not left out as they came in their numbers, with the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom and Chairman of the Rivers State Council of

Traditional Rulers, King Dandison Douglas Jaja leading the pack, even as women and youth groups, cultural and political associations from within and outside Ogbaland also registered their presence to pay their last respect to the late ruler who was fondly called ‘Odudu’ by his subjects.

Also at the historic event was the General Officer (Commanding) 6th Division of the Nigerian Army and his entourage.

While eulogizing the eventful life of Oba Chukumela Nnam Obi II and his 50-year reign on the throne, the people reechoed his excellent qualities and unanimously lauded the late Ogba monarch as an epitome of good leadership in all ramifications.

The somber atmosphere that was expected to play out in the occasion was not to be as the event was heralded by pomp and celebration, and the mammoth crowd thrilled by the rich culture and tradition of the Ogba people.

National Network took a peep into the words penned down by some personalities in their tributes.

According to former President Goodluck Jonathan, “…As a first class monarch, the late Eze Ogba of Ogbaland was blessed with the grace of a long, fruitful and memorable reign on the throne of his valiant forebears…he was a man of peaceful disposition and deep commitment to the welfare of his people for which he will be sorely missed in Ogbaland, Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta”.

Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike had these to say, “For more than 50 years, His Eminence held sway as one of the most respected and revered traditional rulers of our beloved State with a historic and glorious reign that spanned the entire history of Rivers State”, adding, “With his death, Rivers State and the traditional institution at large has lost a colossus and formidable royal father-figure of transcendental influence and he will be remembered for his lifelong contributions and legacy of service to the country, God and humanity”.

In the words of the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, the late Oba of Ogbaland “lived a life worthy of emulation and raised children with strong character and values”.

The President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, in his tribute, lamented the passing of the Ogba monarch at a time when his wise counsel and wealth of experience were most needed, adding that his death represents a great loss not only to his immediate family but also to the people of Ogbaland and Rivers State in general.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila put it succinctly, “His death leaves a vacuum that will not easily be filled.  However, we must at this time, take solace in the quality of the life he lived, in his public service and leadership”.

Also in Omoku to mourn the late Oba was the Sole Administrator of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Bro. Felix Obuah.  Obuah who is the Mba Anabara Agu of Orashi Kingdom and a native of Ogbaland, described the Oba as an unassuming yet firm personae who exuded high intellectual and spiritual confidence and strength of character.

“Oba will be remembered by all for his eloquence, bravery and good leadership qualities that attracted many from within and outside the shores of Nigeria to Omoku, the seat of his throne as a tourist site”, wrote Bro. Obuah, former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State.

The Agunechemba of Egbema, Sir (Dr) Mike Okiro described the late Oba as a father who was amazing in every respect.  His words, “He showered love on everyone that he met and stood for justice, equity and fair play.  He was a role model, a man with a heart of gold and was always willing to lend helping hand to the needy in the Kingdom and beyond”, adding that he will remain indelible in his heart.