Emeka Esogbue

 Two Years After Omu Martha Dunkwu's Death: The Anioma Omu Institution Faces Extinction By Emeka Esogbue Monday, February 15, 2026, marked exactly two years since the terrible hand of death snatched away from the Anioma people, Omu Martha Dunkwu, the iconic Omu of Anioma. While anniversaries are typically times for reflection and the honouring of legacy, for the Enuani region, this milestone serves as a grim alarm. Since the passing of the woman who single-handedly modernized and popularized the Omu office, the 500-year-old female traditional institution has spiraled into a state of marginalization and near-total collapse. ​ From Oshimili to Aniocha, a chorus of neglect is apparent; ​ across the Enuani cultural landscape, the story is tragically consistent. The vibrant presence that Omu Dunkwu commanded has been replaced by systemic erasure. In communities where the Omuship is still practiced, the institution is being strangled by a variety of modern pressures.  In fact, finan...

 A New Era for Ibusa in Lagos: Patrick Nweke Emerges President in Historic Festac ICDU Elections ​By Emeka Esogbue ​History was made in Lagos on Sunday as the Festac Branch of the Ibusa Community Development Union (ICDU) conducted its inaugural election since its inception. The landmark event, which drew members from across the region, signaled a formal transition from interim leadership to a democratically elected executive body poised to steer the union’s affairs. ​In a closely watched race, Mr. Patrick Obi Nweke emerged as the President of the Union. Nweke, who faced off against Apostle Pat Nwanze, took an early and decisive lead at the polls. By the conclusion of the counting process, Nweke secured the majority of votes, while Apostle Nwanze, following the constitutional framework, was positioned as the Union's Vice President. ​The election was overseen by a dedicated Electoral Committee led by Pastor (Barr) Emmanuel Nwaezeapu, a notable Lagos-based lawyer and attorney alongsid...

 Usurpation Shifted Our Onicha-Olona Kingship System from Hereditary to Okpalabisi, Prince Joseph Dumbili Nwadiajueboe, Eze Dibia of Onicha-Olona – Part Two Pen Master: Diokpa, earlier when this discussion opened, you mentioned the Obiship crisis in the community. This brings us to the tussle that keeps ravaging your kingdom since the colonial days of your social history. What is the cause of this division?  Nwadiajueboa: Thank you very much. The problem was caused by Ogbe-Obi. This place you are now caused the problem. I told you that Ogbele established Onicha-Olona. He was the founder of Onicha-Olona. Onicha-Olona and Onicha-Ugbo are related but Onicha-Ugbo is sustaining its Obiship which remains a hereditary till date but in Onicha-Olona, they destroyed our own. There is something called Nze and it means a place of origin or source – where something started. When you go to Onicha-Ugbo, they still have their Nze. Ironically, the one belonging to our Onicha-Olona is still in ...

 The Ibusa history is one of the most published among the Nigerian communities By Emeka Esogbue ​Did you know that Ibusa is one of the most published ethnographic histories among Nigerian communities?  Unlike many towns whose pasts remain locked in oral tradition or obscure colonial archives, in-depth resources on Ibusa’s history are readily available to researchers, both indigenous and foreign. This is because the Ibusa historical landscape is so intellectually fertile that it welcomes and thrives on varied accounts. ​How was this possible? Ibusa (also known as Igbuzo) is a fascinating community in Delta State, Nigeria, renowned for its intellectual output. Its origins are often a subject of spirited debate, representing a unique "melting pot" of various migrations that have been meticulously documented over decades. ​The Guardians of the Narrative: Notable Authors ​The high volume of published history on Ibusa is driven by a unique group of "indigenous scholars" w...

 Usurpation Shifted Our Onicha-Olona Kingship System from Hereditary to Okpalabisi, Prince Joseph Dumbili Nwadiajueboe, Eze Dibia of Onicha-Olona—Part One It was a long walk to Ogbe-Obi in Onicha-Olona Kingdom, Delta State, where this interview was conducted, but the journey was worth it. In this interview with PEN MASTER (EMEKA ESOGBUE) a Media Persinality, PRINCE JOSEPH DUMBILI NWADIAJUEBOE, an octogenarian who is the Eze Dibia of Onicha-Olona, Obunze of Ogbe-Obi, Onicha-Olona, and author of several books, delivers oral accounts on the history of Onicha-Olona. He speaks on the foundation of Onicha-Olona, the authorship of several books on the Anioma communities accommodating Onicha-Olona, Obior, Onicha-Ugbo, Obior, Obomkpa, and others, all of which are Ezechime, makes startling revelations on the identity of Ezechime, whom he holds as the patriarch of Onicha-Olona, and ventures into the age-long Obiship crisis ravaging the community.  Pen Master: Nwadei, sir, all the way fro...

 A Legacy of Honour: Dr. Doris Ochei Celebrates Husband’s Scandal-Free Retirement After Years of Service ​By Emeka Esogbue ​In a moving tribute to a lifetime of discipline and patriotism, prominent philanthropist Dr. Doris Amaka Ochei has hailed her husband, Major General Raymond Nkemakonam Ochei (rtd), mni, following his official "Pulling-Out" ceremony. The event which held at the parade ground of the Nigerian Army School of Signals in Apapa, Lagos, marked the end of an illustrious nearly four-decade military career. ​Speaking shortly after the reception, Dr. Ochei reflected on her husband's journey, emphasizing that his greatest achievement was not just the rank he attained, but the integrity and humility he maintained throughout his tenure. ​ ​“Today, my heart overflows with gratitude and pride,” Dr. Ochei shared via her social media. “I stand beside my husband to celebrate the close of an extraordinary chapter: 37 years of meritorious service to our beloved fatherland...

 Historic Pulling-Out Parade as Maj. Gen. Raymond Ochei Bows Out of Nigerian Army ​By Emeka Esogbue ​It was a momentous display of military tradition and high honours in the early hours of Friday, as the Nigerian Army hosted a grand Pulling-Out Parade for Major General Raymond Nkemakonam Ochei and several other distinguished senior officers. Held at the Nigerian Army School of Signals Parade Ground in Apapa, Lagos, the valedictory ceremony unfolded amidst a backdrop of profound regimental pride.  This storied military ritual marked the formal conclusion of their meritorious service to the nation, serving as a poignant tribute to General Ochei’s decades of strategic leadership, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the defense of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ​The ceremony reached its crescendo with the arrival of the Chief Guest of Honour, who performed a formal inspection of the parade before delivering a keynote address that lauded the retiring officers for their galla...

 11 ANIOMA COMMUNITIES WITH THEIR SLOGANS Compiled By Emeka Esogbue (Pen Master) WELCOME TO​ UMUNEDE ​Slogan: Land of Hospitality ​Pen Master’s Take: In Umunede, "hospitality" isn't just a word on a sign; it is a way of life. Don't be surprised to see empowered women navigating the streets on personal motorbikes, or to be offered alatu (bush rabbit) paired with fresh nmanya nkwu (palm wine) by a new friend. The people here possess a legendary warmth—once they identify you as a guest, the greetings are nearly infinite. While it isn’t a hub for mass tourism, the magic of Umunede lies in its genuine, personal interactions at lively village markets and social hubs. ​WELCOME TO IBUSA (IGBUZO) ​Slogan: City of Great People ​Pen Master’s Take: Is Ibusa great? The evidence is overwhelming. This community is a powerhouse of human capital, with "Ibusa Boys" and girls scattered globally making waves. From legal giants (SANs) and a record-breaking density of Professors ...

 Follow Me on a Tour to Our Onicha-Olona  The Pen Master recently embarked on a physical visit to the ancient Onicha-Olona, the ancestral settlement founded by Ugbe, Ogbele, Orhogbua, and Olo, to see things firsthand. Not much is documented about the land of the great warriors who bravely confronted the British during the Ekumeku War.  Guided by local experts, the Pen Master set out on a journey to explore the rich history and heritage of one of the famous Enuani communities, west of the Niger. It was an enriching visit to the people and places of the community. The people of Onicha-Olona are welcoming and eager to share their stories.  In their report to Her Majesty, the British cited Chika and Obolu (Ogbolu) as the reasons they attacked and burned down the community, though not without fierce resistance from the people. From its ancient roots to the present day, Onicha-Olona has been blessed with remarkable men and women such as beauty queen Rosemary Anieze, reggae...