One Year Without Omu Anioma: Obi Martha Dunkwu Lived and Died for the Anioma Cause

 One Year Without Omu Anioma: Obi Martha Dunkwu Lived and Died for the Anioma Cause

By Emeka Esogbue

Today marks the one-year anniversary of Omu Martha Dunkwu's passing, a legendary figure who left an indelible mark on the Anioma people. As the Omu of Anioma, she was a trailblazer, breaking cultural barriers and paving the way for women's leadership in Anioma society.

Since the days of modern Anioma, there was no female figure in history who enjoyed cultural and global fame as did Obi Martha Dunkwu, the Omu of Anioma; since the days of modern Anioma, there was no female traditional leader from Anioma who cut cultural influence as seen in Obi Martha Dunkwu, the Omu of Anioma.

By January 26, 2002, when she was installed as the Omu of Okpanam, an Anioma female leader had been born in her. By January 15, 2019, when she became crowned as the Omu of Anioma, the people were becoming conversant with the female cultural leader, the like of which was never seen in the history of the people.

Unknown to Okpanam, her community, a female leader had been gifted to Anioma, and it was perhaps an unforeseen development by all. It was not therefore surprising that her 'cultural ministry' took Anioma by surprise. First, she established a traditional office that stood her out from other traditional leaders in Anioma society. She became globally renowned with distinguished leadership. She became a vision of cultural hope and inspiration for the Anioma, taking Omuship as far as the wider African Diaspora and winning the hearts of all.

Instantly, Omuship became the most popular traditional institution in Anioma. For the first time, the Anioma women began to enjoy global voices. Omu Dunkwu had tied Omuship to Anioma's identity. In Nigerian institutions of learning - higher and lower, Anioma female students started to costume themselves in Omu attire of Akwa-Ocha to celebrate their cultural days.

The reign of Omu Martha Dunkwu had contributed to the cultural preservation of the Anioma people. Obi Dunkwu had the knack for identifiably working with the best hands, never compromising on the competent. Her leadership was built on conviction, fairness, and loyalty. Her relationship was also based on trust and efficient motivation.

She was so spiritedly given to the Anioma cause that the selfless aspiration to work with her was strong among many. I knew of Comrade Patrick Chukwunweike Ochei, one of the most competent writers yet always willing to answer calls. He was the Media Consultant to Omu Martha Dunkwu. No Omu enjoyed as much closeness to Omu Martha as the respected Omu Onyebuchi Okonkwo who was always available to render her support.

There was Mr. Godfrey Chukwudifu Osakwe, the respected strategist and PR consultant from Akwukwu-Igbo who worked with us. There was Hon Hilary Ifechukwude Okobi who was always available. In no time, we started to receive foreign interests, and the Omu appointed me the Research Consultant on Omuship Affairs and continued on formidable organizational build-up on Omuship.

The good intention of Omu Martha, transparency, administrative expertise, and passion for Omuship could fruitfully win over anyone. My share of closeness with her had further instilled the love of Anioma in me. Omu could initiate calls to me even in the middle of the night, and I was used to it and almost awaited it. She trusted me like her biological son and issued me informal advice to guide me. 

I was blessed to have shared a deeply personal and emotional bond with Omu Martha Dunkwu, a connection that remains precious to me to this day.

She shared secrets with me like a mother and son, which drew me closer to her and her Anioma cause. Soon, the influence of Obi Martha Dunkwu, Omuship began to transcend regional boundaries, earning the people global recognition and numerous awards started to come the Omu's way.

Omu Dunkwu took it upon herself to attend Anioma functions, supporting every worthy cause in the name of the region. Unfortunately, her 'cultural ministry' was without frequent and severe criticisms. Many had never heard of a female "Obi," a cultural practice of the Enuani communities of Asaba, Ibusa, and Okpanam.

Much as an Omu is traditionally entitled to wearing a red cap, many had never seen a female dressing in a red cap. Much as Omu is a man in Anioma culture, many could not understand why a woman should appear like a man with male traditional functions. Many had never seen an Omu as popular and as ubiquitous as Omu Dunkwu, who was so recognized as to receive additional chieftaincy titles outside the Anioma confines.

That was a challenge for her. Many had never heard of a female "Obi," a cultural practice of the Enuani communities of Asaba, Ibusa and Okpanam. Much as an Omu is traditionally entitled to wearing a red cap, many had never seen a female dressing in a red cap. Much as Omu is a man in Anioma culture, many could not understand why a woman should appear like a man with male traditional functions. Many had never seen an Omu as popular and as ubiquitous as Omu Dunkwu who was so recognized as to receive additional chieftaincy titles outside the Anioma confines. That was a challenge for her. Many had never seen any female custodian of the people culture as overwhelmingly famous as Omu Martha Dunkwu and she frequently had to force her way through critical voices.

Despite the hurdles, she trudged on to continue the spread of the promotion and preservation of the Anioma culture far and wide. However, like every mortal with a deathly end, the legendary Obi Martha Dunkwu, one of the most famous figures to hail from Okpanam, peacefully walked to the world beyond on February 16, 2024.

May her soul rest in peace!