Colloquium: Ikpeazu, traditional rulers, others pay tribute to late Eze Enweremadu

Abia Government, traditional rulers and other prominent Abia indigenes took turns on Tuesday to pay tribute to a foremost traditional ruler in the state, late Eze Bernard Enweremadu.

Enweremadu, renowned as the progenitor and Traditional Head of Ngwaland (Ezeukwu of Ngwaukwu) in Isialangwa North Local Government Area of the state, died on Jan. 23 after 44 years on the throne.In a keynote speech at a colloquium organised by the state government in his honour, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, said the state burial accorded him was in recognition of his highly revered status.

Ikpeazu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Chris Ezem, said the burial of the royal father “is very important to the state because government held him in high esteem.“He was a display of discipline and royalty. His carriage and attitude on the throne represented what the traditional institution should be.“He was an epitome of culture and tradition of Ngwaland and brought honour and dignity to the stool and entire Ngwa nationality of Abia,” he said.The governor further extolled his exemplary leadership qualities and awesome lifestyle, saying that the virtues would remain evergreen in the memory of every Abia man.He, therefore, urged the traditional rulers in the state and bereaved family to endeavour to follow the footsteps of the flamboyant and highly principled royal father.

The Chairman, Abia Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Ndubuisi Nwabeke, said the deceased “washed his hands early in life, hence could wine and dine with kings and queens”.According to Nwabeke, Enweremadu exhibited the Igbo culture and tradition since he assumed the throne at age 33.“He supported and gave meaning to our culture as a people.“He spoke and insisted on the use of the Igbo Language as a means of communication in his palace throughout his reign as a way to promote and preserve the language from going into extinction.

“I therefore urge the state government to make the Igbo Language compulsory in the school curriculum in the state “in order to sustain the principle that he stood for,” Nwabeke said.Also, the Chairman, Ukwa/Ngwa Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Nwabiarije Enogwe, said the deceased came on earth with a mission to protect and preserve the culture and tradition of his ancestors.Enogwe described him as a man of dignity, honour and pride, who was respected by present and past political leaders in Abia and entire country.

He underscored the need for the present generation to toe the footprints of the deceased, especially in the onerous task of preserving the Igbo culture and tradition.Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu, the Enachioken (paramount ruler) of Abiriba Kingdom in Ohafia Local Government Area, recalled the myth that surrounded the life of the deceased.Ogbu said: “We did not get to see Eze Enweremadu. All we heard was a fiery tale about him.“For me, growing up as a child, I only knew the respected Eze from afar.“We only heard that he was a mystic, half man, half spirit. So, from that early stage of my life to his demise recently, I held him in utmost awe.”He said the deceased was one of the few traditional rulers recognised in the old Imo, adding that he “was simply a phenomenon”.

He described him as industrious, enterprising and thoroughbred gentleman, “whose reign translated to aggressive political, social and economic emancipation of Ngwaukwu, Abia and Nigeria”.The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), Prof. Ogbonna Onuoha, also described the late royal father as a reservoir of knowledge on Igbo culture and tradition.Onuoha also said that Enweremadu ensured that peace and justice prevailed in his domain during his reign, hence he was highly revered by his subjects and entire Ngwa communities.The Anglican Archbishop of Aba Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Isaac Nwaobia, said the Ngwa nation and Abia at large had lost a great personality.Nwaobia described the late traditional ruler as “a true Ngwa and Abia man as well as a family man to the core.“From afar, you can appreciate the man of culture, endowed with great intelligence.“He ensured adequate protection for people of other religion outside traditional religion in his domain.“He had the religious spirit of uprightness and his customary white attire symbolised purity.

He was always in communion with his ancestors.“In his own way, he showed the light and others followed,” the cleric said, and urged his upspring to emulate the sterling legacies of their father.Former Governorship Candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the state, Dr Blessing Nwagba, described Enweremadu, who died at 77, as “a great leader and a rallying point for all Ngwa sons and daughters.“He was an entrepreneur and a philanthropist of great repute, who championed the economic emancipation of the womenfolk,” she said.

The Chairman of the Central Burial Committee and former Vice Chancellor of ABSU, Prof. Uche Ikonne, said the colloquium was organised “to give honour to whom it is due.”He further eulogised the deceased for paving a path of honour for himself at 33, when he ascended the throne.He described the title of the colloquium, “Perspectives on the personality and enduring legacies of Enweremadu”, as apt for a man, who was seen and understood differently in his lifetime.A major highlight of the event was the presentation and unveiling of a book entitled, “Ezeukwu of Ngwaukwu: facts, fictions and myths”.The book, which was a compilation of different write-ups from different perspectives on the deceased, was reviewed by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Ikechi Mgboji.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the eight-day burial rites, which commenced on Friday, Dec. 10, would end on Friday with an interdenominational church service to be followed by interment. (NAN)