…As Monarch Pledges All Inclusive Leadership
It was pomp and pageantry on Saturday, October 2, 2021 as a new king (Oba) was unveiled for the Ogba people of Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Nwachukwu Nnam Obuohna Obi entered the history books as the twelfth Oba of Ogbaland and third in the Nnam Obi dynasty of Eze Ogba’.
A legal practitioner with the mydas touch, Nwachukwu was in the services of Italian oil giants, Nigeria Agip Oil Company Limited before his kingly elevation which forced him to retire from the lucrative job.
He succeeded his father, the iconic Eze Ogba, Chukumela Nnam Obi II who died after celebrating his 80th birthday and 50th anniversary on the throne in 2020. The paramount ruler was crowned on 19th of December 1970, while he was born on November 20th, 1940.
The Ogba Obaship history predated the 18th century. It began in the late 17th century with HRM, Okoya Nwaebe. Then followed HRM, Oreke Nwaogeri (18th century); HRM, Ekne Nwaeze (18th century); HRM, Ejeikwu Nwaihi (18th century) and HRM, Okirie Iweanya (18th century).
Others were HRM, Eleberi Nwanasi (18th century); HRM, Eze Nwaograbe (19th century); HRM, Onwularu Eleberi (19th); HRM, Obi Ajie Chukwuma (1925-1936) and HRM, Wokoma Silk Obi I (1959-1970).
The late His Eminence, Eze Ogba Chukumela Nnam Obi II, the 11th Oba of Ogbaland, ascended the throne in 1970 after the demise of his uncle, Wokoma Silk Obi I.
However, Nwachukwu’s ascension as the 12th Oba after his father, reportedly followed all due processes and procedures in line with the Ogba kingship custom and tradition.
The colour and splendour that characterized Nwachukwu’s coronation as the new Odudu, testified to the depth and importance of the ceremony.
Considered the most significant celebration in Ogbaland, the coronation of Oba Nwachukwu Obuohna Nnam Obi III attracted the cream of society and dignitaries from all walks of life, with traditional rulers from the Ogba clans of Omoku, Igburu, Obrikom, Egi and Usomini, fully represented and all clad in their finest regalia.
Worthy of mention is the fact that the ceremony was a rare one and only happens after the demise of an Oba or where he is deposed and a new king is coroneted. Consequently, Nwachukwu’s enthronement presented an ample opportunity for Ogba people at home and those living outside Ogbaland as well as those in the diasporas, to return home and have firsthand chance to witness the epochal event.
Indeed, the sights and sounds were amazingly fascinating and left onlookers enthralled.
No wonder that security was beefed up in and around Omoku to put trouble seekers in check. It was the combined effort of the police, OSPAC, Civilian JTF and NSCDF to ensure hitch free ceremony.
A colourful procession from the Oba’s abode along the busy Palace Road, told the story of a people with a rich culture and tradition. Clad in their chieftaincy regalia of white and red caps, the Council of Ezes led by the Traditional Prime Minister and Eze Iyasira, Eze Louis Ajie, the Ezes led the parade to the Ahia Orie traditional play ground where the Chiefs and elders of Umuohali Kindred waited to perform the Oba’s coronation.
But the Ezes were not alone in the parade to Ahia Orie. They were closely followed by ‘praise singers’, also dressed in their colours. They hailed the Oba in various adulations. Some called him ‘Odudu’, ‘Eze Ogba’ and ‘Oba ka Uwa’ while others hailed the king as ‘Uzo Epita’, ‘Oba ka Nigeria’ etc.
The Princes and Princesses (Adaezes) of the Oba, (In this instance, it was Oba Nwachukwu’s siblings that took the space) joined the train with their children. On their trail, came the Oba himself.
Driven in a black Pajero Jeep with his adorable wife, Ilori Daisy Nwachukwu Obi, his guards, looking spectacular, walked beside the vehicle, swords in hand.
The spectacle caused a stirr with traffic halted for several minutes at the ever busy Ahoada Egbema major road. Motorists and commuters had to wait until the chain of the procession exited the Palace Road which crossed onto the road heading to Ahia Orie.
But despite the unsolicited inconveniences which the ceremonial parade may have caused the stranded drivers and commuters, it didn’t stop many admirers from waving in admiration, wishing the new king a successful reign.
Meanwhile, a tumultuous crowd had gathered at Ohia Orie to witness the ceremony. There was momentary disappointment as the Oba’s procession, rather than disembark before the expectant crowd of admirers, moved past the arena, heading to the nearby Oburu Ihiali shrine, a move which is said to be in line with the customs and tradition.
Encircled by the red-capped Ezes, the Oba submitted to the rituals as administered by the chief priest of the Oburu Ihiali shrine.
“That’s the fortification process. The Oba is a demigod and after this exercise, no force can withstand him all through his reign. He has been imbued with power and wisdom”, volunteered an anonymous local who spoke to National Network at the shrine.
Clearly ‘fortified’, the Oba and Chiefs thereafter moved to the coronation ground to be greeted by the rapturous crowd. The long wait ended as the Oba mounted his Royal stool.
As the Eze Ohali dropped the crown on Oba Nwachukwu’s head, canon shots boomed and shook the grounds of Ahia Orie, as shouts of ‘Odudu” rent the air.
Then came solidarity speeches from the Ezes of Igburu, Usomini, Egi, Omoku and Obrikom clans, pledging their unflinching loyalty.
As the people yelled to hear from the king, he calmly took the microphone and greeted them.
“I would like it to be on record that as the first speech to my people, I pray that the land favour every man, woman, girl and boy. May our enemies never succeed in their endevours. May good things only happen to us. May doors be open to everyone in this land, and may the government recognize us and do good things for us.
“May the eagle kite perch and may the kite perch also. The one that wishes otherwise for the other, may its wing break in pieces. May the gods of our land, the spirits of Ahia Orie and the good spirits of our land protect each and every one of you.
“As I pray for your wellbeing, so I am praying for the wellbeing of our leaders in our state and country. Let the leaders lead well and let the followers follow well. Let it be well with everyone. May our land be fertile and yield us crops. May the young grow old and may the old grow older and not die a wretched death, in Jesus Name”, he prayed as the crowd echoed ‘amen’.
The Oba called for unity and cooperation from citizens of Ogbaland, assuring an all-inclusive leadership where everyone would be a participant in administration of the kingdom.
Earlier in his speech, the traditional Prime Minister and Eze Iyasira of Ogbaland, HRH, Eze Louis Ajie urged the people to give the Oba maximum cooperation to enjoy peaceful reign.
“You know that kingship is not a subject of conflict. Kings are born. The success of this coronation is an evidence of God’s endorsement of Oba Nwachukwu Nnam Obi III. May God bless our king”, he declared.
The Ogba monarch and his train later returned to the Palace where the clan Ezes, interest groups, opinion leaders, youths and security agencies were on hand to pledge their support and loyalty.
Also at the palace were businessmen, captains of industry and notable politicians of Ogba extraction.
Ikemba Idemili and Sole Administrator of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), High Chief (Bro). Felix Obuah, in his comments, described the Oba as an intelligent and God-fearing man and expressed confidence that his emergence represents a new dawn in the annals of Ogba kingdom.
A media practitioner and close friend of Oba Nwachukwu Nnam-Obi III, Hon. Emmanuel Nwabrije described the monarch as God’s ordained, likable, unassuming, humble and sound administrator, laced with divine wisdom.
Nwabrije who recalled the humble disposition exhibited by the then young prince during their days at the prestigious Government Sea School, Isaka, expressed confidence that his reign will be laced with peace, unity, love and prosperity in Ogbaland.
In the same vein, the Managing Director and CEO of PF Golden Hotels Ltd, Omoku, Mr. Alexander Bright Uboh said the coronation of the Ogba monarch will go down as most memorable in the history of Ogbaland.
“I was not of age to witness the coronation of our late Oba, Chukumela Nnam Obi II. But seeing what is going on today and the exhibition of our rich culture and tradition, I feel very proud as an Ogba man”, he said as he prayed for the success of the young Oba.
Dignitaries at the event include Egi Council of Chiefs, Egi Peoples Assembly led by Chairman, Ugochukwu Orikoha, Members representing ONELGA 1 and 2 at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Christian Ahiakwo and Hon. Nathaniel Uwaji, Rivers Commissioner for Youths, Prince Ohia Obi and Justice Ben Ugbari amongst others.
