Emeka Esogbue

 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...

 The Ibusa Obiship Controversy: Tradition vs. the Right to Associate ​By Emeka Esogbue As an ardent follower of Ibusa culture, I was mortified to read several published opinions disregarding the right of the Obis to form an association for their common purpose. The current state of the Ibusa Obiship summarizes the declining state of our culture, a decline that has persisted due to the apparent indifference of the community’s traditional class.  Until recently, Ibusa was one of the most culturally vibrant  Anioma communities; today, the totality of our way of life faces a steady erosion. ​A Golden Era of Tradition ​By the early 1990s, Ibusa’s cultural richness was nearing its peak. During this period, the warlords being the Odogwu, Uwolo, and Iyase gained renewed popularity and respect with the fame of the holders spreading far and wide. Alongside the Ikwele, the Chief Priest, the community council-in-chief was complete and deeply enriched thus, a traditionally thriving an...

 Ibusa Community Set to Install Chief Charles Okonkwo as Odogwu of Ibusa By Emeka Esogbue All is now set in the ancient Ibusa community, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, as it prepares for the momentous final conferment rites of one of its highest traditional honors on Chief Charles Ositadinma Okonkwo. The noted industrialist and philanthropist will receive the prestigious title of Odogwu of Ibusa. According to a statement signed by Onowu (Sir) Ossy Nwadei, Chairman of the Odogwu Conferment Committee, the installation rites will be conducted by the community's traditional ruler, HRM Obi Prof. Louis Nwoboshi, the Obuzo of Ibusa. The event is scheduled for February 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. inside the Obuzo's palace, followed by a reception at Ibusa Girls Grammar School, Umueze Farm Road, Umueze, Ibusa. The Odogwu title—one of the community's three traditional warlord honors—recognizes exceptional courage, leadership, and service. The ceremony will unite sons...

 The Enduring Passion of Issele-Uku Kingdom for Anioma Initiatives: A Personal Reflection By Emeka Esogbue My journey with the Umu Anioma Foundation Worldwide has introduced me to many remarkable individuals from Issele-Uku, a place that has deeply impressed me with its unwavering commitment to Anioma’s regional initiatives. Among the most notable members I’ve had the privilege of meeting are Esther Nwaise, Patrick Ochei, Dr. Anthony Ezeagbor, Chief (Prof.) Josephine Mokwunyei, and Prince Mike Akeh, to name just a few.  Through my interactions within the foundation, it became abundantly clear to me just how much love and passion the people of Issele-Uku hold for Anioma, and how committed they are to contributing to its growth and progress. What struck me the most is the consistency with which Issele-Uku indigenes are involved in every major Anioma initiative or project. It’s almost as if their participation is a natural extension of their identity. This overwhelming sense of c...

 Agbalanze Dance: A Sacred Bond Between Father and First Daughter in Onitsha Culture By Emeka Esogbue The Agbalanze dance stands as one of the most moving ceremonial traditions in Onicha Ado (Onitsha) culture, wherein the Ada—the first daughter dances with and embraces her father in a profound expression of their unique bond. This ritual captures the essence of familial love, honour, and cultural continuity that defines that society. Onitsha tends to be one of the richest Nigerian societies in terms of culture, all of which brighten the people's way of life. This is not surprising since it is due to the unique identity of the people having enriched themselves with what was acquired from different societies. While Igbo culture broadly holds the first daughter in high esteem, distinguishing her from other daughters, the Anioma communities, including Onicha Ado, place particular emphasis on this honoured position. The Ada is set apart through specific rites and ceremonial privileges t...

 OFAAC Unveils Anioma Culture and Heritage Project By Patrick Ochei The Organization for the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC) has officially unveiled the Anioma Culture and Heritage Project, a landmark initiative aimed at preserving, documenting, and projecting the rich cultural heritage of the Anioma people. The unveiling, which took place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Orchid Hotel, Asaba, Delta State, was conducted by OFAAC in partnership with Anioma traditional rulers, underscoring the collective commitment of Anioma leadership to safeguarding their history and identity. Speaking at the event, the President of OFAAC, Kester Ifeadi, announced the inauguration of a high-powered eight -member Steering Committee, alongside thirty (30) zonal sub-committees, to drive the successful implementation of the project across Anioma Nation. Steering Committee Members The Steering Committee is chaired by Prof. (Chief) Mrs. Josephine Mokwunyei, with Dr. Emeka Esogbue serving as Ge...

 My Father Did His Best to Document Onicha-Olona History and I Have Taken Over, Felix Nwabuokei, Historical Researcher and SWADAA Regional Commander – Part One Rev Felix Ifeanyi Nwabuokei is a historical researcher, clergy and Regional Commander of the Social Watch Anti-Drug Abuse Advocacy (SWADAA). Nwabuokei has remained in the forefront of the documentation of his people’s history and has been heavily relied on by other researchers. Recently, he authored the book, “A Historical Account on Onicha-Olona Kingdom,” now one of the widely sought-after books in the community. In this interview with media personality, EMEKA ESOGBUE (PEN MASTER), Rev Felix Nwabuokei tells readers the history and origin of Onicha-Olona settlement with names of the founders, why the community is of Ezechime Clan even though it did not originate from the Ezechime ancestry, and why the people of the community have hardly documented the community’s history in books. Nwabuokei further explains the reasons behin...

 Oshue Agbambu, the Forgotten Ibusa Symbol of Colonial Struggle By Emeka Esogbue Oshue Agbambu is a name deeply intertwined with the colonial history of Anioma, yet it is one that remains largely overlooked by many, particularly in his place of birth, Ibusa. Agbambu, a formidable leader of the Ibusa Ekumeku resistance, stands as one of the most widely reported figures in the history of Anioma’s resistance against British colonialism.  The Agbambu family of Ogboli is arguably the most frequently mentioned in Anioma colonial history and more widely documented in Ekumeku accounts, given the pivotal role they played in the region’s early military conflicts. Agbambu’s story is deeply embedded in the first major military clash between the Anioma people and the British forces. When the Royal Niger Company sought to extend its trade empire into Ibusa, the people resisted vehemently. This resistance began with the refusal of Ibusa's chiefs and elders to accept the introduction of Chris...