7 PERSONAL HOMES AND PALACES IN ANIOMALAND THAT WILL INTEREST YOU

 7 PERSONAL HOMES AND PALACES IN ANIOMALAND THAT WILL INTEREST YOU

- Emeka Esogbue

(Pen Master)

The Anioma people are known to be rich in human capital with their influence spread across the world. But beyond this, over time, some Anioma natives and monarchs have so influenced their communities with the geniuses of their feats, love for mankind, and exertion of power, to manipulate their homefronts, making it a beehive of activities. In the same vein, some are so influential that everything seems to positively happen in there. You cannot move into any of these communities without asking to see these places. This compendium brings you 7 homes and palaces you cannot take away your eyes once you are in that community. 

Note that they do not appear in any particular order.

1. ASAGBA PALACE, ASABA:

The Palace of the Asagba of Asaba is by itself, a monument of some sort. Favoured by natural geography, Asaba is beautifully located by the mouth of the majestic River Niger which gave her away to the European explorers in her colonial history days. It further stands between the South-South and South-East. Asaba is a geographic end of the Anioma cultural space thus, leaving Asaba is leaving Anioma as demarcated by the River Niger. The people have always enjoyed official treatments and favours so the beautiful Asaba of the Anioma people was in the 19th century, the headquarters of what is now Nigeria before it was shifted to Calabar. It is today the headquarters of Delta State since 1991. It is the state power that makes the Asagba palace too thick and the most visited among the Anioma people. The Asagba palace is so organized that any visitor is likely to find the palace chiefs assembled at the quickest time possible. The palace is a hospital and always ready to give out traditional information about the ancient city, such as the beauty. Your visit to Asaba is incomplete without any visit to the Asagba palace.

2. MOUNT NED NWOKO RESORT:

The Mount Ned Nwoko Resort is the 21 tourist site approved by the Delta State Government. The land on which it was built was acquired in 1999 by Prince Ned Nwoko, a politician, lawyer, and philanthropic, in his Idumuje Ugboko hometown and it took 12 years to complete. The house itself is often described as a village that accommodates an animal kingdom, a fish pond, and farmland. It also has a tower that stands at 100 feet and is believed to be the highest point in Delta State. Interestingly, from this tower, every part of Delta State can be viewed as far as neighbouring Edo State. It is rather a house with several floors and not a security post as some mistaken it to be. The Idumuje-Ugboko community, with a name derived from 'forest', is the highest point of Delta State and once in this community, the natural and soothing breeze is felt. Prince Ned Nwoko once hosted the Miss Teen Anioma, an initiative of Kate Igbodo Odoe and Pen Master traveled from Lagos to the Mount Ned of Prince Nwoko where he not only lectured the contestants on Anioma history but was among the team conducted round the amazing home of the Anioma Billionaire by Prince Ned, the Chief Host. Mount Ned Nwoko Resort is a place to be at all times. The next time you travel to Anioma's Idumuje Ugboko, make an appointment to visit this Resort. 

3. OBI ISSELE-UKU PALACE:

Issele-Uku is an amazing kingdom with interesting ancient and colonial history. More importantly, the kingdom with the Ogboli from Nshi (Nri) as the earliest settlers and later Benin is rich in the preservation of her monarchical history. The monarchy of Issele-Uku was founded by Benin which transformed her into a kingdom. Since its foundation, Benin has always considered Issele-Uku an outpost, and Issele-Uku has always considered herself a historical extension of Benin hence, the relations shared by both kingdoms are cordial. Being a hereditary monarchical system similar to Benin, Issele-Uku has successfully preserved the location of her palace where all her kings have lived since its foundation. Unfortunately, the original was demolished by one of her kings but the "Ugah" palace of the kings stands majestic to date. Issele-Uku has one of the most 'patronized' palaces in Anioma by indigenes, which is also always accessible to the public. The people so cherish the palace that it is always filled. Moreover, HRM Engr Obi Nduka, MSE, a young, friendly, and dynamic man, is the monarch of the kingdom. Remember not to put on black wear when visiting the palace because you will not be let in. 

4. FCA COUNTRY HOME OF FRED AJUDUA:

Located in Umuodafe Quarters of Ibusa, Ibusa is the most geographically contiguous community of Anioma. Ibusa, the beautiful hometown of PEN MASTER is bordered in the north by Okpanam, in the west by Ogwashi-Uku and Ewulu, in the south by Asaba, Okwe, and Oko, and in the East by Abala Union. For administrative purposes, it is situated in Oshimili North LGA with Akwukwu-Igbo as the headquarters and shares administrative destiny with others such as Ebu, Atuma, Illah, and others. It is always Ibusa that enjoys the influence of several communities. Furthermore, it is one of the Anioma communities with the highest number of rivers. It is in this Ibusa that the FCA Country Home of Chief Fred Ajudua, the Onwanetili Oha of Ibusa is built. FCA Country Home is by purpose, a large and luxurious building built for the Ajudua dynastic wealthy family. There seems no other phrase to describe this home than to say that it is a gigantic building among gigantic buildings. From the external view, evidence of the enormous valuable artworks that are sculptural, creative, and visual works enrich the fancy of the viewer. However, lots more artworks decorate the inside, making it look like an Ibusa museum of some sort. Some of the sculptural works are depictions of Chief Ajudua and the princess royalty of his wife, Hon Dr. Princess Adankele Ajudua. There's also an expensive penthouse, a luxurious suite found on the upper floor of the building. It comes with panoramic views that give the Ajudua family private relaxation. What causes wonder about the Ajudua magnificent Country Home is that work on the construction of the building started on June 5, 1989, and was commissioned on June 5, 1990, which is the 30th birthday anniversary of Chief Ajudua. The house is built to behold and also the most visitor-attractive private structure in the community. It is the home where people of different statuses, the rich, poor, small, and mighty congregate for personal and public reasons. As a center of tourism in the community, it is usual to hear first-time visitors to the community, ask questions about "where's Fred Ajudua's house?" Your visit to the Ibusa community is incomplete without a visit to this building to see for yourself.

5. THE PALACE OF OMU OF OKPANAM.ANIOMA:

The Omu of Okpanam/Anioma Palace is the most frequently visited in the Okpanam community. Located in Oshimili North LGA, visit from far and wide visit the structure in droves. The occupier, HRM Obi Dr. Martha Dunkwu, the Omu of Okpanam/Anioma is the 'Face of  Culture' in the community of Utchi patriarchy. With her fame spread far and wide, Okpanam is gradually assuming the Anioma tourist center. In September 2021, the Omu donated a structure inside the palace to the Centre of Omuship and Women Development Initiative which many believe will further boost the potentials of Okpanam depending on the management. The former PR Person has brought her experience to bear, giving Omuship a deserving promotion also globalizing it. Built on a large expanse of land, the Omu Palace is strategically located with several structures inside. It is also the largest palace of any Omu in Anioma. What is further outstanding about the palace is that is welcoming to different people outside Okpanam nativity. Here, more ceremonial events happen than anywhere else in Okpanam.

6. THE ONISHE OF UBULU-UKU HOME

Ubulu-Uku, the Ezemu home is noted for its deeply rooted association with the culture of their ancestors and also the community with one of the oldest forms of monarchy. Chief Dr. Emma Ejiofor, an Anioma Patriot, strong, principled and influential among the people of the community is the Onishe of Ubulu-Uku. Being the kingmaker, the usual aphorism among the people is that whoever the Onishe dutifully crowns, is the Obi of Ubulu-Uku. The extremely humble Chief Dr. Ejiofor is a man of people. His yes is yes and no is no. His imposing residence in Ubulu-Uku is a Mecca of some sort to Ubulu-Uku natives and generally, the Anioma people that ceaselessly visit it. The time of the festival is the time to crowd the Onishe home, a mighty house that looks home to all. Staying with the Onishe is feeling at home. This compendium is incomplete without Chief Emma Ejiofor, the Onishe of Ubulu who just acquired his Doctorate Degree from a prestigious Nigerian university having dedicated his studious time to academics. 

7. THE PALACE OF THE OBI OF OWA:

For history, the Palace of the Obi of Owa played a prominent role in the making of Anioma. It is in fact, the Anioma patriotism of HRM Obi Dr. Emmanuel Onyeike Efeizomor II and his versatility in relating with everyone outside the immediate Ika community that separates him from others. The history of Anioma is therefore incomplete without the Owa monarch in Ika North East LGA who has now stayed 62 years on the throne of his forefathers. Born on March 10, 1938, in Owa, the Obi started his schooling in Owa Pry School. He further schooled at Baptist High School, Port Harcourt Rivers State. He then schooled at the University of Ibadan, University of Sussex, England, and Pittsburgh University, Pennsylvania. The former Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Council is certainly one of the most influential Anioma monarchs of today and his palace is a Mecca of Anioma pilgrims.