Pomp and Pageantry in Ibusa as Obi Adigwe Nweke is Inaugurated the Diokpa of Umuekea
Story By Emeka Esogbue
There was a remarkable display of Anioma cultural grandeur in Ibusa, Delta State, on Saturday when Obi (Eze) Adigwe Blacky Nweke was traditionally confirmed the Diokpa of Umuekea in one of the most colourful Ikpobata Umu rites of the people.
A month-old premier heraldic of the event, which featured an interview, histories, and cultural promos, was the culmination of the day's event which happened in Isieke.
With the arrival of guests from several parts of Anioma to the Nweke Idumuochie ancestral home, the event anchored by Mr. Tony Uwaechue kicked off with an opening prayer said by Obi (Eze) Adigwe Blacky Nweke, who also broke the Kola nut in his capacity as the oldest living man in the gathering according to the rites of the Ibusa people.
It peaked with
the presence of important personalities from different walks of life, many of who were from different cultural backgrounds, in an event in which Akwa-Ocha, the cultural attire of the Anioma people, took over overwhelmingly, colouring the atmosphere with respledent white.
The surprise guest was Igwe Chidubem Iweka III, the traditional ruler of Obosi, who stole the show with his imperial presence. The handsomeness, grace, and virility of the ancient Obosi monarch were found to be enthralling to his Ibusa guests. The Monarch had been in attendance to identify with his Ekea kinsmen and women as the Umu-Ekea are the matriarchal descendants of
Madam Ekea from Obosi presently in Anambra State.
Historically, her place is retained in the name "Umuekea" (children of Ekea) and Isieke borne by clans today in Ibusa, neighbouring Asaba and a few others where her ancestry also extends.
His speech centered on the age-long relationship between Obosi and Ekea and the need for the sustainability of the same for the bond to remain unbroken.
Born to Obi Nweke Ajudua and Madam Osobianwu Nweke (nee Nwolisa), Obi Adigwe Nweke was born and bred in Idumuachi in Isieke, Ibusa in 1926 where he also grew up.
With this recent Ikpobata Umuekea ceremony, he now doubles as the Diokpa of Isieke and Diokpa of Umuekea and will rein in this capacity by progeniture.
The Igwe Obosi, Obuzo Ibusa, Ikwele, and Uwolo were seen making their way to the venue of the event pleasingly. It was also the first time in a long while that the Obuzo, the traditional ruler of the community would be seen together in an event of this magnitude with Chief Amaechi Nwaenie, the Uwolo of Ibusa. It became another major highlight of the event.
Some of the dignitaries at the ceremony include a representative of Hon Innocent Esewezie, the Oshimili North Council Boss, Obi Prof Louis Chelunor Nwoboshi the Obuzo of Ibusa, HRM Chidubem Iweka III, the Igwe of Obosi, His Eminence, Chief Celestine Okafor, the Ikwele of Ibusa and Chief Amaechi Nwaenie, the Uwolo of Ibusa.
Other dignitaries at the event include Obi Oweleke, the Diokpa of Umuezeagwu, Onowu Austin Abuah, Secretary to the Obuzo-in-Council, Prof Emeritus Augustine Onwuyali Esogbue, renowned American System Engineer and Prof Dili Ofuokwu of Admiralty University, Ibusa.
Others include Obi Joseph Ogbogu, Obi Som Uti, Onowu Inugonum, among others. Men and women of the press prominently from the Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), The Pointer Newspaper and others were also readily on ground to cover the event.
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