NJOKU MACDONALD OBINNA
There was an overwhelming excitement as another milestone was recorded in Ogwuaga-Abba Autonomous Community, Nwangele LGA, Imo State, when the newly coronated traditional ruler and true custodian of Igbo culture — His Royal Highness, Duru Oshimiri (lll) Obinna Akwiwu, Dim Ohamadike ll, Eze Ogwuaga Abba — alongside his family, friends, community leaders, business associates, numerous well-wishers, and the good people of Ogwuaga-Abba drawn from the five villages (Dimagu, Mbara Uhuala, Uriabia, Amato, and Ukwubemgba), on Easter Sunday, 20th April, 2025, went for a thanksgiving mass to thank the Almighty God for a successful conferment of Staff of Office by His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma, CON, and successful coronation ceremonies.
This brought to an end, years of protracted tussle for a worthy successor to the late Eze (Justice) G.G. I. Ojiako, KSM, OON, CON, CJ (Rtd), Dim Ohamadike I, as the people of Ogwuaga-Abba and Imo State Government unanimously chose Eze Duru Oshimiri Ataata – Obinna Akwiwu over his younger brother, Chief Sir, Engr, Dr. Okezie Akwiwu, in the true Igbo tradition and culture of “Ishi—wuru—kwa —Ishi”.
It was therefore, quite heart-warming to see the community came alive once again with spiritual fervor and communal harmony at the epoch-making thanksgiving event, symbolizing gratitude for divine direction, victory for all, dedication to the supreme authority, unity, and renewed hope for a greater Ogwuaga-Abba, as the avalanche of the community’s leadership, members of the ivory tower, captains of industry; including High Chief Johnbosco Ozigbu, Ph.D (Ogwuaga of Ogwuaga), came to show support and solidarity geared towards moving the community forward.
The colourful Thanksgiving Mass presided over by the Parish Priest of Christ the King Catholic Parish (CKC) Abba, Rev. Fr. Remigius Ezennorom, witnessed massive attendance as Nwangele traditional rulers and beyond Ogwuaga-Abba leadership, different religious groups, friends and well-wishers of the Akwiwu family came out in their numbers to thank God Almighty for a successful enthronement of the new Eze, while the Publisher of 4th Estate Reporters coordinated other media houses to capture the colourful scenes and beautiful moments.
During his homily, the clergyman hampered on the need to share love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, a true testament to the risen Christ, which was the symbol of Easter celebration. “Be your brother’s keeper”, he admonished the faithful.
In his remarks, a highly respected illustrious son of Ogwuaga-Abba, a road construction giant, an uncommon philanthropist, a powerful bridge builder, and the political apex leader of Nwangele LGA – High Chief Johnbosco Chukwuma Ozigbu, Ph.D (Ogwuaga of Ogwuaga, Alaomajiji of Igboland), said that there is no need for unnecessary infighting in the community as a new Eze has emerged; maintaining that just like himself, his entire family is in support of the newly coronated traditional ruler, who has the recognition of the Imo State Government and the support of Ogwuaga-Abba people.
The Easter Thanksgiving Mass, which marked the commemoration of the risen Christ; symbolizes triumph of eternal life over death, triumph of hope over despair, and triumph of a new traditional leadership over misguided communal fuse, resonating deeply with the emergence of HRH Duru Oshimiri (lll) Obinna Akwiwu, Dim Ohamadike II, as Eze Ogwuaga-Abba Kingdom.
And just like the Biblical triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Dim Ohamadike ll, after the Thanksgiving Mass, was accompanied to his palace by a most colourful entourage and different cultural dance troupes of men, women, and youths.
The highpoint of the event was the grand reception in honour of the newly coronated traditional ruler, as he played host to the galaxy of Imo leaders, representatives of Imo State Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, CON, led by Chief Barr. Major Ejikeme Emenike (Honourable Commissioner for Environment & Sanitation) and Traditional Prime Minister of Okwelle, Ndi Eze Nwangele and beyond, Ndi Nze Abba Ama Ano, the business community, industrialists, and community leaders as Chief Tony Chukwu, Chief Charles Ahize (Akpuruka N’ Orlu), Chief Paul Ozigbu (Nnayereugo of Abba), Engr. Ifeanyi Okoroigwe, Chief Zubby Akwiwu, Engr. Frankline Iwuala, Chief Don Chima, Chief Emeka Duru, and Engr. Tony Alinnor.
The distinguished community leaders that were in attendance included but not limited to; Chief Kieran Ikeata (erstwhile Regent and Traditional Prime Minister); Chief Eddy Okoro; retiring Chairman Council of Chiefs; Hon. Chief Bona Akwuiwu (President General, Ogwuaga Abba); Chief Mike Ofoma (Ochudo); Chief Barr. Martins Achuonye (Egbuhuruzo); Chief Emma Akubudike (Anyahurugo); Engr Chief Chuks Alakwem (Omenukoaku); Chief Barr. Stan Ofoma (Ochinanwata); Chief Henry Ofoegbu (Akumsinachi); Chief Chinedum Alakwem (Enyioha); Elder Okey Ohiaeriaku; Okey Uju (Palace Secretary); Nze Morgan Chikezie; Chief Charles Okoroha (Nwannayereugo); Chief Ben Mbanaso (Deputy PG, Akudo); Chief Chidubem Alakwem (Omeaku); Elder Cosmas Ozigbu (Home Branch Chairman); Elder Eugene Ikeme (Home Branch Patron); Chief Chukwunyere Duru; Lady Ella Agwunobi (Ogwuaga-Abba Women’s Lagos Branch Chairlady); Lady Franka Okoroha (National Chairlady Ogwuaga Women); and Lady Patricia Akubudike, and others too numerous to mention. Of course, the Ugoeze, Lady Vicky, and the princes, Emmanuel and Arinze Akwiwu, were there as well.
Nwangele traditional rulers; present with their Ugoeze’s were: HRH Eze (Hon.) Uzomah Onunenyi (Ekiti ll of Ekitiafor Abba) and Chairman, Nwangele Council of Traditional Rulers; HRH Eze Godwin Ndubueze Ejiogu (Kara of Umunakara); HRH Eze Ndubueze Maduabuchukwu (Uburu ll of Abba); HRH Eze Godwin Shiweobi (Duruebube of Umudurunna Abba); HRH Eze K.C. Onukwuri (Uzu of Isiala Umuozu); HRH Eze Eddy Akanno (Ezerioha IV and Durukparakata of Isu) among others. From Osu-Amah Ancient Kingdom came HRH Eze Eddy Agim (Eze Udo); Eze Engr Ogemdi Agbugba (Ezejiofor Anara).
No doubt, the array of these personalities and invited guests added grandeur to the occasion, underscoring the community’s commitment to collective progress and solidarity.
The occasion did not only enliven the atmosphere, but also strengthened the bond among attendees, fostering a sense of shared identity, unity of purpose, and powerful business networking which eventually left an indelible mark on the hearts of Ogwuaga-Abba residents and invited guests.
The Easter thanksgiving outing was more than a religious observance; it was also a celebration of resilience, faith, and communal aspiration as the attendees departed with renewed optimism, inspired to contribute to the community’s growth and harmony.
This colourful event bolstered by the participation of prominent personalities from Imo and beyond, has set a high standard for future celebrations, reinforcing Ogwuaga-Abba’s reputation as a community united in faith, love for Igbo rich cultural heritage, and deep respect for the age long tradition of “Ishi-wuru-kwa- ishi”.
Njoku Macdonald Obinna
Media Consultant|Newspaper Columnist|Public Analyst|PR-Expert
Publisher, 4th Estate Reporters