New PG tasked to ensure transparency as Oba elects EzeOkpoko II, launches Permanent Palace Site

By Uzo Ugwunze, Ojoto

The Regent of Oba community in Idemili South, Prince Noel Ezenwa has directed the new President General, Rev Chris Emelie to jump start the process of choosing the next Traditional ruler, EzeOkpoko II of Oba.

The community also held a successful multimillion naira fundraising to pursue the project of constructing an ultramodern central permanent Palace Site for the community at Nkwo Oba.

The formal pronouncement was made at the Oba Patriotic Union (OPU) Annual General Assembly held at the Oba Civic center, Nkwo which saw a mass return of Oba people from Diaspora.

The Regent thanked Oba people for their patience since the demise of Late Igwe Peter C. Ezenwa and his wife Mmiliaku and the sudden death of the former PG, Late Col. Goddy Onyejegbu.

Addressing the Assembly, Prince Ezenwa said:” In the past two and half years, I have been standing in as the Regent, I thank Oba people for their support and followership.

“After giving our father the late Igwe a befitting burial, the death of Mmiliaku our mother and the untimely death of our erstwhile PG whose burial was delayed due to Covid 19 pandemic ensued.

“We are ready to take quantum leaps to move Oba to the next level. We started by electing a new PG, Rev. Emelie who is well fortified by his education and experiences.

“The Ichies and Chiefs of Oba and OPU has given me the green light to pursue the project of having a permanent palace site for Oba which is being launched today.

“At this juncture, I hereby direct the PG to jumpstart the process of choosing the next EzeOkpoko II today. Let him announce the guidelines and schedule of the processes,” said the Regent.

Moreover, the PG, Rev. Emelie proceeded to read out the schedule, guidelines and processes drafted according to section 4 of the constitution of Igwe EzeOkpoko selection/election 1999.

An electoral committee was set up and several interested candidates from the other eight villages of Oba other than Umuogali which produced EzeOkpoko I were allowed to pick forms and begin their campaigns.

“Oba people should thank God for his presence. Let us love one another. As we commit our palace project and election of our new Igwe to God, we depend on God to get it right.

“I received a wide support, lots of projects will be accomplished. We shall have one Igwe which will be the people’s choice. He will be installed before the end of this year,” said Emelie.

Meanwhile, Chief Sam Odinammadu, Ikeora Oba urged Oba people to employ wisdom and peace in electing a new traditional ruler so as to be an example for others to emulate.

“Oba sons made us proud today. They turned out enmasse to donate towards the palace project. It shows togetherness. Odimma Oba – progress of Oba is what everyone is looking for,” said Odinammadu.

Also, Rt. Hon. Sir. Emeka Anyaenetu, former Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly and Secretary Committee, Oba 1991 constitution said he was confident that Oba people will make the right choice of Igwe.

“According to the Oba 1991 constitution which its committee was headed by Justice Ejiofor and I as the secretary, it is instutionalized that Igweship is rotational. The two other amendments adopted it too.

“The vision of the permanent palace site which is being launched today was initiated by Chief Okwudiba Anyaorah Ijele Oba over a decade ago when the former Igwe was still alive.

“Anyaorah said that having a central palace would enable people express themselves without undue restrictions. I thank God that majority of the Ichies, chiefs and Stakeholders adopted it and today it is becoming a reality,” said Anyaenetu.

Highlights of the event was special recognition of the ‘Odimma Oba group’ who donated huge sums of money to buy food stuff distributed to alleviate hunger during the Covid 19 pandemic lockdown.

The PG also presented a visionary address containing his administrative blueprint saying that security, education, youth empowerment, establishing database and effective management of IGR, healthcare, creation of professional bodies, environmental impact accessment, control and development would be considered.