…As Successor, His Eminence, Barr. N.S.O. Nnam-Obi III Appreciates Nigerians
The sixteen (16) days rites of passage in honour of the departed Oba (Eze-Ogba) of Ogbaland, His Eminence, Sir (Dr.) Chukumela Nnam Obi II, OON, SSRS, AP, FFCE(T) Omoku, JP ended peacefully on Sunday 29th August, 2021 with a thanksgiving Service held at the St. Michael’s (Anglican) Church, Omoku Archdeaconry, Omoku Rivers State.
The departed Ogba Monarch, a three times Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and one of the longest reigning Natural Rulers in Nigeria who was born on 20th November, 1940 and installed the Oba (Eze-Ogba) of Ogbaland on 19th December, 1970 at the age of 30 years joined his ancestors on 20th March, 2021 having spent 50 years plus on the throne.
His burial rites kicked off on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 with a special valedictory meeting by the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Elders at the Royal Fathers Secretariat in Port Harcourt followed on Thursday August 12 with Interdenominational service of songs at Oba’s Royal gardens Omoku while his remains was bid farewell on Friday August 13, 2021 at Oba’s Palace, Omoku.
On the day of the funeral, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS (A) was ably represented by his deputy, Dr. Mrs. Palibo Banigo, former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili CON., tribute was delivered by a former Commissioner with the Niger Delta Development Commission, Prince Sir (Dr.) Shedrack Akolokwu, JP, immediate past Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, CON was represented by a Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress and former member, Federal House of Representative, Rt. Hon (Professor) J.C. Imegi, the wife of the Governor of Bayelsa State, Mrs. Douye Diri, Traditional Rulers across the country, Elder statesmen, National and States Assembly members, members of Federal and Rivers State Executive Council, Religious Leaders, the Political Class, Captains of Industries, Heads of Educational and Health Institutions, Members of Diplomatic Corps, the Media and Legal Professionals and people from all walks of life attended the ceremony.
According to a press statement issued by the Palace Media Officer, Prince Charles Amadike-Otoboh, JP (Mmboh Krikri) stated thus on Saturday 14th August, a delegation of the Bayelsa State, Governor, Senator Douye Diri accompanied by his wife, Senior Government Officials, Council, Traditional Rulers and Elders, the political class, and who is who in Bayelsa State as well as all churches in ONELGA visited the palace.
From Monday 16th August, 2021 various groups across the country commenced condolence visit to the palace, such groups includes South/South Traditional Rulers, Elders and Eminent persons, Northern Traditional Rulers and Elders, Eastern States Council of Traditional Rulers and Elders, Omoku, Egi, Igburu, Egbema and Ndoni communities, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, Ekpeye, Ikwerre Traditional Rulers and Elders, Ogbachi Cultural Society, Oba’s In-laws, masquerade displays and other cultural displays, as well as friends and well wishers.
Speaking while hosting various groups who visited the palace, the Oba (Eze Ogba) of Ogbaland designate, His Eminence, Barr. Nwachuku Obuoha Nnam Obi III, MNIPR appreciated Almighty God and all meaning Nigerians for the love, supports, comfort and consolation shown to the family and indeed the entire Ogba kingdom since his father Oba Chukumela Nnam Obi II travelled. He particularly thanked the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area for their participation during the sixteen days rite of passage for the Ogba monarch and prays God to reward all richly and promised not to disappoint the people during his reign.
