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It was a moment of monumental cultural rebirth, deep-rooted tradition and communal jubilation when one of the longest-serving monarchs, the traditional ruler of Ebenator Ozulọgụ ancient kingdom in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Highness Igwe Chinewubeze Edwin Ezejiburu, celebrated his first Ofala festival.
The historic event, held at the palace over the weekend came 47 years after his enthronement as the town’s monarch, marking a rare and significant milestone in the history of the community.
South-East PUNCH findings showed that Igwe Ezejiburu stands out as a revered figure in Anambra’s traditional institution, being the longest-serving king in Nnewi South Local Government Area, the second oldest crowned king in Anambra South senatorial district, and the third oldest crowned king in the entire Anambra State.
The event, which featured a thrilling display of the rich Igbo cultural heritage, also featured the conferment of prestigious chieftaincy titles on 32 well-deserving individuals, by Igwe Ezejiburu.
The honourees, drawn from within and beyond Ebenator, were recognised for their exceptional contributions to the development of the community and society at large.
Speaking at the event, Igwe Ezejiburu, who spoke through the traditional Prime Minister of the community, Prof. Sam Uzochukwu (Onowu Okammuta), described the event as a landmark occasion and a moment of thanksgiving to God for sustaining him and the community over the years; even as he lauded everyone and groups who contributed in one way or the other to making the day possible.
He noted that the festival symbolised unity, peace, and progress in Ebenator, and called on the subjects to continue working together for the development of the kingdom, emphasizing that peace and progress are achievable through collective effort.
He said, “Celebrating my first Ofala festival after nearly five decades of leadership was both a divine privilege and a reflection of the solidarity, loyalty, and support of the people. The Ofala festival is not just a cultural, but also a platform to strengthen the bond between the throne and the people.
“I expressed gratitude to God for granting me longevity and the wisdom that has sustained my leadership over the years. I also commend Ndi Ebenator people for their loyalty and contributions to the growth and stability of the kingdom. I also used the occasion to call on every subject, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain united and committed to the development of the community, and to continue to uphold peace and harmony.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, the President-General of the Ebenator Development Union, Amb. Chigozie Anadi, congratulated Igwe Ezejiburu on the dual milestones, describing the event as a watershed moment in the history of the community.
Anadi extolled the monarch’s visionary leadership, which has fostered peace, progress, and unity in Ebenator.
He also commended the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for approving the event through the state Commissioner for Local Government, Community, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Tonycollins Nwabunwanne.
He further lauded the Nnewi South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Van George Ezeogidi, for his visible support towards the development of Ebenator and the entire local government area.
Congratulating Igwe Ezejiburu on the dual celebration, the President-General, who was accompanied by some members of the executive, also acknowledged the critical role played by the Ofala Festival Planning Committee, led by Chief Ugochukwu Abbah; the Ebenator Ambassadors Club, led by Ambassador Amobi Okafor, and other groups and stakeholders in ensuring the success of the festival.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Nnewi South Local Government Area, Ezeogidi (Ijele Utuh) felicitated with Igwe Ezejiburu and the people of Ebenator on the success of the historic occasion.
Describing the event as well-planned and impactful, Ezeogidi, who also represented Soludo at the event, further noted that the massive turnout at the occasion was evidence of the improved security situation in Anambra State under the present administration.
He recalled what the situation used to be in the past, when many local government areas in the state, including the Nnewi South, were captured by gunmen, before the coming of the present administration.
He said, “It is heart-warming to see our people gather in large numbers to celebrate without fear, a stark contrast to the insecurity that plagued many communities in the past, including our local government.”
Earlier speaking during the kola nut ritual, the Chairman of Nnewi South Traditional Rulers Council and traditional ruler of Ezinifite, H.R.M. Igwe Samuel Anayo Obika (Igwe Chinwatakwe), described the Ofala festival as an embodiment and expression of the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people.
The climax of the event was the conferment of chieftaincy titles on 32 deserving individuals, including High Chief Samuel Ebugheme (Omekannaya n’Ebenator), High Chief Gilbert Ezenagu (Ọbataobie n’Ebenator), Amb. Rev. Fr. Don Ezenneka (Kpakpando n’Ebenator), Amb. Chief Emenike Ntukokwu (Ezeụmụokorobịa n’Ebenator), Amb. Abunna Onyekachukwu (Ezeomeọgọ); Chief Frank Ikechukwu (Mmiriọma n’Ebenator), Amb. Chief Andrew Anasonye (Ikemba n’Ebenator), Amb. Chief Obinna Ofor (Agụnechemba n’Ebenator), Amb. Nnamdi Ezenwa (Ụbasinachi n’Ebenator), Chief Kingsley Ekwobi (Nwajiugonnaya n’Ebenator), Amb. Onyedika Innocent Unogu (Ebubechukwuụzọìfèadị), Amb. Chief Ugochukwu Abbah (Okemmirinaebuogwe n’Ebenator), Amb. Obinna Mgbemena (Ọkpataozuoọra n’Ebenator), Nze Cyprian Kelechi Eziokwu (Akaekpuchiọnwa n’Ebenator), and Chief Chukwuma Ozuora (Obiekunie n’Ebenator).
Others are Hon. Chief Van George Ezeogidi (Dikeọra n’Ebenator), High Chief Innocent Ezeotubulu (Ezeakụdịnugwu n’Ebenator), Amb. Nonso Nwanze (Nwaanazọazọ n’Ebenator), Chief Sunday Okonkwo (Ebubedike n’Ebenator), Prince Eze Junior Ezeanyika (Ezeugo n’Ebenator), Chief Emeka Nwokoro (Afụnwaelotenna n’Ebenator), Chief Ndubuisi Kelvin Udokwu (Ebekuodike n’Ebenator), Chief Jude Nwokoro (Agụjimgbadaaghụeze), Chief Sylvanus Ezeiwuchukwu (Odunze n’Ebenator), Chief Innocent Ngwuéche (Akaọmagideakụ n’Ebenator), Mrs Chidimma Abbah (Ugosimba n’Ebenator), Chief Mrs. Onyinyechi Ekwobi (Ugodịbeze I of Ebenator), Chief Obinna Igwebuike (Akụamịa n’Ebenator), Chief Emeka Ezenwa (Okenwa n’Ebenator) and Hon. Amb. Chukwudi Unogu (Ibobo n’Ebenator), among others.
High points of the event included the dedication of a newly constructed house within the palace grounds, payment of homage to Igwe Ezejiburu by various groups and individuals, and captivating performances by different cultural troupes, including the Egedege and Uhie dancers. Guests were also treated to sumptuous dishes and assorted drinks, making the festival not just a cultural extravaganza but also a feast of camaraderie and goodwill that has set a new benchmark for cultural celebrations in Anambra State.
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