Igwe Awkaetiti installs Chief Oge Obi as Ichie Umueze kindred, celebrates New Yam
By Uzo Ugwunze
Igwe Engr. Michael Ezeudenna of Awkaetiti has installed the Board Chairman, Anambra Maritime Practitioners Association(AMPA) High Chief Peter Oge Obi as the traditional Ichie representing Umueze kindred of Ejighinandu Village, Awkaetiti Community.
The installation took place at Igwe Ezeudenna’s palace during the 2021 New Yam festival of Awkaetiti Community in Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Igwe Ezeudenna, the Igwe Okagbado and Obi of Awkaetiti after thanking God for the year’s harvest and blessing his community performed the cultural rites of cutting and eating of the new Yam.
The monarch further proceeded to install Chief Obi as ‘Ichie Okaka of Awkaetiti’ to represent Umueze kindred of Ejighinandu Village in the Awkaetiti Community’s Igwe(Obi) in council.
Ichie Okaka Jesus as fondly called by his kinsmen was the psynosure of all eyes as his decoration cum Installation added colour to the new Yam festival which was earlier scheduled to be low key.
Before the installation, High Chief Ebele Enemuo, Ichie Ohamadike and Secretary, Igwe(Obi) in council Awkaetiti announced that the selection of High Chief Obi followed due process and met the community requirements.
However, Ichie Oge Obi an illustrous son of Awkaetiti and a business mogul, a lover of culture is the Chairman, Awkaetiti Improvement Union (AIU) Lagos branch for many years.
Moreover, Ichie Okaka is the Patron, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents(ANLCA), Board member: International Freight Forwarders Association (IFFA); Association of Igbo Maritime Practitioners in Nigeria (ASSIMPIN).
Also, he is a Board member: Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarders in Nigeria (CRFFN) and the Board Chairman, Anambra Maritime Practitioners Association (AMPA).
According to the celebrator, Chief Obi I am very happy to be chosen by my kindred to represent them at the Igwe’s cabinet and to be installed as the Ichie Okaka today.
“Although my kindred chose me 17 years ago but I refused. Two traditional rulers had come and gone but when Igwe Engr. Ezeudenna ascended the throne l decided to accept the call.
“Moreso, I saw that the values of our traditions and cultures are fast decaying and have decided to revive the good traditions because some people out of ignorance have started indulging in abominations”, said Obi.
His gorgeous wife, Lolo Ukamaka Obi said that she was happy that the community recognized the achievements and person of the husband saying that she would continue to support him.
The President General AIU, Chief Izundu Adinigwe described Chief Obi as a patrotic townsman and one of the pillars of Awkaetiti.
“Ichie Okaka built an ultra modern town hall for Awkaetiti Community at Lagos, Championed the building of Eke Awkaetiti Market stalls. Infact he is a man of the people,”said Adinigwe.
The Woman leader, AIU women’s wing, Mrs Dorothy Agbani described Okaka Jesus as a philanthropist who has been giving succor to the down trodden and hears the cry of his brethren.
In his remarks, High Chief Jasper Okpalafuluaku, Ikenga Awkaetiti said” Ichie Okaka is very competent. A round peg in a round hole. He is AIU Lagos Chairman for about 20years and Executive member Awkaetiti Committee of friends”.
Meanwhile, other personalities who graced the New Yam festival include High Chief Emeka Nwolisa (Ichie Otabilionye), High Chief Pius Okpala(Ebube Nnaya), Chief Chukwudi Ezeanyino(Ichie Chinyelugo) and Chief Dr. Azubike Ezisi(Ife Awkaetiti).
“New Yam festival is significant in Igbo land.After the celebration of Yam as the King of crops by the traditional ruler other Community members can continue,” said Ichie Nwolisa.
Chief Okpala said” First Sarturday in August yearly has been slated for Awkaetiti New Yam festival. I wish Igwe Okagbado what money cannot buy which is good health and long life”.
According to Chief Ezeanyino ” New Yam festivals even from my childhood days use to be home coming for every family to exchange pleasantries and promote unity before the Advent of Christmas”.
Chief Ezisi, A medical doctor whose mother is a German said that he was happy to celebrate his roots saying that certain cultures or masquerades people shy away from are kept in museum overseas where tourists pay to visit.
They all described New Yam festival as a time of Mass return when people at home and in diaspora get together to rejoice together while thanking God Almighty for life and great harvest.
They eulogized the achievements of Igwe Ezeudenna praying that God continue to prosper his reign, bless him with good health and long life to celebrate many more New Yam festivals.
Other highlights of the festival include the special cutting of kolanuts, pouring of libations, cutting and eating of the new Yam, ushie traditional dance by the traditional ruler and Ichies.(MOI)
Pics:High Chief Peter Oge Obi( Ichie Okaka Awkaetiti) and his wife, Lolo Ukamaka Obi
Pics: (L-R) High Chief Peter Oge Obi (Ichie Okaka Awkaetiti), Igwe Engr. Michael Ezeudenna of Awkaetiti.
Pics:(L-R) High Chief Peter Oge Obi (Ichie Okaka Awkaetiti), Igwe Engr. Michael Ezeudenna of Awkaetiti, High Chief Ebele Enemuo (Ichie Ohamadike Awkaetiti)
