Emeka Esogbue

 IN MEMORY OF UWOLO WILLY IKOLODO This is the time we remember one of the greatest Ibusa chiefs who ever lived. He was a glamorous man He was a powerful man with commanding influence He was fearsome and smart and people submitted to him even without battle He not only popularized the Igbuzo Uwoloship but gave it attention He remains the only Anioma indigene in history who took Anioma's Onotu (or warchief position) to the House of Representatives.  He remains the only Ibusa man elected at the House of Representatives so far "He probably built the first multi-purpose complex in Ibusa." "He probably was one of the first to build a post-primary school in Ibusa."  "He was an employer of labour and many Ibusa people benefited from his empowerment."  A pioneer in facility management in Nigeria.  "A prominent politician who contested and won a credible election that was shortly truncated by GMB in December 1983." He named his commercial house in Lago...

Interview with Pen Master (Emeka Esogbue)  ...continue from Part One Don't Drag Me into the Obsession that Issele-Uku and Anioma are Monolithic or Only Benin Creations, Ifenna Azomani, Writer of History and Convener of Nri Descendants Conference - Part Two Pen Master: Shouldn’t one wonder why Benin established its monarchical system in a society already in existence and thriving? Azomani: The whole essence of establishing the Benin kind of monarchy in Issele-Uku was to establish the Benin strict kind of monarchy but to a large extent, I don’t think that this was achieved even with Obi Oligbo because there was still so much of the republican way of life. This republican way of life came with the migrants from Nri who had been in the area before the Benin migrants came. So, while that monarchical system was in place, Benin was also looking for the opportunity to strengthen its hold. That opportunity came following the death of Obi Odia in about 1730 and the Heir Apparent who was sent...

 Don't Drag Me into the Obsession that Issele-Uku and Anioma are Monolithic or only Benin Creations. Ifenna Azomani, Writer of History and Convener of Nri Descendants Conference – Part One Leonard Azomani is an Ogboli Community writer of Issele-Uku history, lawyer, environmentalist and clergy. Renowned for his versatility in various disciplines and credible works on Issele-Uku history and other Christianity literatures, Azomani bares his mind on a number of issues that enthusiasts of Anioma and Issele-Uku history will find interesting. In this explosive interview with Anioma media influencer (PEN MASTER), Pastor Azomani speaks on his growing up, career and renders historical accounts on Issele-Uku beginning, development and political history. He tells readers that Anioma is not a monolithic society and that Issele-Uku was peopled by migrants from various ethnic groups. More importantly, the earliest settlers of the Issele-Uku community were the Ogboli Agidi people from Nri led by ...

 There is No Reason to Locate Anioma in the Southeast; President, Governors and their Deputies, Not Required to Vacate Offices Upon Defection, Frank Ofili Frank Ofili, a Lagos-based Human Resource Practitioner from Illah in Delta State, has carved a niche for himself as a respected public commentator on national and international affairs, particularly in the political sphere. In this interview with Anioma media influencer, PEN MASTER (EMEKA ESOGBUE), Ofili shares his views on the political landscape of Nigeria. He discusses state creation; why Anioma State should not be located in the Southeast, the viability of political parties, the challenges states face in generating internal resources, and the need to curb the rampant defection of politicians entrusted with the people’s mandate. Excerpts: Pen Master: I know you, Frank Ofili but I would really appreciate it if you introduce yourself to our teeming readers. The interview surely presents interest. Excerpts: Ofili: Yes, my name is...

 Picture shows former Personal Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Media and renowned Anioma Historian and Writer, Emeka Esogbue also called Pen Master. Picture was taken at the venue of Igbanke National Conference, organized by Igbanke Nationals Progressive Association in Igbanke, Edo State

 BACK TO IGBUZO KINSHIP SETTING This was how strong and sweet the Igbuzo kinship used to be. Arrest of an Igbuzo indigene by an indigene was completely minimal because it was forbidden. There were no fences of houses to separate families. Today, what do we see? Petitions upon petitions and even the nni unor ndu burial rite is suspicious. The Igbuzo kinship is fast breaking without possible amendment from the community's cultural leaders. Moral values are also going down on a daily basis unchecked. Picture shows: Nwafe Okolichi from Ogbeowele, Onyeisi Ajukwu (Sir Shady) from Ogbeowele, Chukwurah Okocha from Umuodafe, Chief Osy Okolichi, the Ezebo of Ibusa and Anene Okolichi from Ogbeowele and Ike Ejoh from Umueze. Thanks to them for bringing about the sweet memory Picture taken: Ibusa, 2025

 Picture was taken at the scene of the recent Igbuzo Ulo Festival, celebrated by the people of the community. Celebrants are seen in this picture standing in front of the Nne Eze Statue in Umueze Round of the community. Picture courtesy: Ike Abiagom

 Ibusa Youth Council Should Be Guided by the Obuzor and Obuzor Should Be Guided by the Law, Chief Hilary Zobeashia, Prominent Ibusa Youth Chief Hilary Ifeanyichukwu Zobeashia is a certified Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) expert and Group Managing Director/CEO, Zobs Consult Ltd. In this interview, he shares with PEN MASTER (Emeka Esogbue) issues relating to youth development in Ibusa community. He reflects on societal failure to cater for the young minds and advises on ways to improve the Ibusa community as a whole. Excerpts: Pen Master: Chief, finally, it's nice to meet you after the search. Please, can you introduce yourself to our teeming readers beyond Ibusa, your hometown? Zobeashia: Thank you very much, Pen Master. Well, my name is Chief Hillary Ifeanyichukwu Zobeashia, an Abuja-based political businessman with strong roots in Ibusa. I am actively involved in both the political and business landscapes of Nigeria in general, and I remain committed to contributing meaningf...

 Okolie Family of Umukanya, Umueze Announces Burial Plans for Matriarch, Madam Veronica Okolie By Emeka Esogbue The Okolie family of Umuwina in Umukanya, Umueze, Ibusa, Delta State, has formally an nounced the burial plans for their beloved matriarch, Madam Veronica Ibiakwaozo Okolie (née Okolie). According to the family's statement, a copy forwarded to PEN MASTER, funeral rites will begin on Thursday, August 7, 2025, with a Service of Songs at 6:00 p.m., to be held at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Isieke, Ibusa. The funeral Mass will follow the next day, Friday, August 8, at 10:00 a.m. at the same venue. Interment will take place immediately after the Mass. Born in 1930 to Diokpa Igulu Okolie and Madam Nwaelege Okolie, both of the Ibusa lineage, Madam Veronica was married in 1955 to Diokpa George Amanu Okolie of Umuwina, Umueze Quarter. A devout Christian and successful businesswoman, Madam Okolie lived a life rooted in faith and moral discipline. She was the oldest member of t...

 The Igbo Had Kings: Igbo Enwe Eze Reconsidered By Emeka Esogbue Beyond its literary interpretation, the phrase "Igbo enwe eze," often translated as "the Igbo have no king, "is more of a cultural expression highlighting the decentralized political structures historically found in many Igbo communities. However, this saying does not mean that monarchies were absent across all Igbo societies, nor does it negate the fact that the Nri Kingdom is a monarchical institution.   In fact, several Igbo societies had monarchs long before the arrival of European colonists, a fact well-documented by Igbo historians. Nri, for instance, is one of Nigeria’s earliest known kingdoms, and its traditional ruler, the Eze Nri is both a sacred and priestly king. The immediate past monarch, Eze Nri Enweleani II Obidiegwu Onyeso, was the 16th in recorded history. According to information available, he has joined his ancestors and a mandatory 7 years interregnum is required for the enthroneme...