Emeka Esogbue

OBI AJUFO, THE FIRST OBI IN IBUSA TO EMBRACE CHRISTIANITY In that particular year, Obi Ajufo became the most discussed or talked about personality in Ibusa, his popularity had soared through to the villages of the settlement though unknown to him he had made history. By 1888, the British Missionaries had established a Catholic in nearby Asaba hoping too, to repeat the feat in neighbouring Ibusa. However, all efforts aimed at actualizing it were prevented by the Ibusa people who rejected the new faith. Then there was the Ekumeku Movement, the resistance of European imperialism which involved the entire towns and communities of Anioma. The first phase of the movement started with the Anglo-Ibusa War in 1898 with casualties on both sides and eventual defeat of Ibusa after the British that ordered reinforcement from Lokoja gained upper hand in the battle thereby defeating Ibusa. The defeat of Ibusa was a big relief to the British, which also afforded them the opportunity

Today, Col Matthias Moholenu Morah, Nigeria's first indigenous Pay Master and defunct Biafra's Chief Pay Master goes home. This well-experienced soldier from Ezi fought alongside Col Joe Achuzia during the Nigerian Civil War. He was reported by Alexander Madiebo, the Biafran Army Commander as the only trained senior officer in rear units at a point, in Port Harcourt who took over the administration and reorganization of the worn out troops. Soon after the war in 1970, on his return, the people of Ezi lined up to welcome him in Ezi for his gallantry and has received the traditional title of Odafe of Ezi Kingdom. He was the pioneer head of Bendel Line, a position he used to offer his people gainful employments. As he goes home today, the traditional ruler of Ezi Kingdom has assured that he would be accorded 21 traditional gun salute (Ululuani) by his Ezi people for all the contributions towards the development of the community. RIP, Col Morah.

OBI CHIGBUE AJIE, THE INFLUENTIAL IBUSA CHIEF APPOINTED A WARRANT CHIEF BY THE BRITISH Born to Obi Tenu, Obi Chigbue Ajie was born in 1850 in Isieke, Umuekea, Ibusa in the then Asaba District of Western Region, Nigeria. Obi Chigbue was one of the most Ibusa influential politicians of his time. But together with Obi Bakwu of Ogbeowele, his father, Obi Tenu was accused by Ibusa of making moves to revive and assume the Obiship (kingship) of the community, a move later foiled by the same Ibusa people. Obi Chigbue was very wealthy, influential and powerful and as a result of the influence and authority that he commanded, he was conferred with two of the most revered chieftaincy titles by his Ibusa people; he was the 'Ajie of Ibusa' and 'Anya Afu Oba' (the eyes that never sees Oba). So stupendous was he in wealth that he was remembered for wearing odu aka and odu okwu around his wrists and legs, two very expensive and valuable traditional objects made from el

Prayer saved my father during the war -        Evangelist Felix Nyemike Nkadi On entering his office located in Lekki area of Lagos that morning, the arrangement of the office conveyed to me true sense of conviction. Evangelist Felix Nyemike Nkadi is a clergyman and Deliverance Minister with Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry (MFM), author and filmmaker with huge success; highly respected for his ability to tell stories. His movie, ‘My Wicked Uncle’ later converted to book sold more than 40,000 copies globally. The final year Law-student despite his pastoral background demonstrates knowledge and enthusiasm for his people’s culture, which stands him out. In this chat, Nkadi explains to EMEKA ESOGBUE issues of concern such as how he gave his life to Christ in his childhood, his planned contribution towards the development of Talents in Ibusa, why morality and cultural values have waned among Ibusa youths, the unity that Ibusa needs and a lot more. Excerpts:     Emeka Eso