Oba Regent, others urge Oba people to emulate the humble legacies of Ichie Iyasele
By Uzo Ugwunze
The Regent of Oba, Prince Noel Ezenwa and EzeOkpoko in council members have eulogized the impeccable virtues of Late Chief Harold Anichebe(Ichie Iyasele II of Oba) urging the present generation to emulate him.
According to Prince Ezenwa,” Iyasele before his demise at age 89 was the oldest member of the EzeOkpoko’s cabinet and the last of the first set of council members who reigned with Late Igwe Peter Ezenwa.
” He was the producer of Scotty records, an international music studio based at Onitsha which made waves in the entertainment industry during the 1970′ s.
Speaking at Uruagu village during the burial service of Ichie Iyasele, Ezenwa described him as a humble and gentleman with intergrity who always had the well being, peace and unity of Oba people at heart.
“Iyasele was regarded as ‘a black Whiteman- Onye ocha nna ya di oji’, always wearing a unique smile. He does not associate anything that will cause rift or rancour.
“When my father the late EzeOkpoko 1 died, Iyasele told me to continue as the regent. Some cabinet members refused and insisted on holding an election between Myself and Iyasele.
“To cut the long story short during the regency election, Iyasele gave me his own ballot paper to write my choice. That depicts the kind of person he was.
“History of Oba will not be complete without. He will be imortalized in the history books of ‘Oba ebo iteghete’ EzeOkpoko 1 said, if you want history not to forget an incident, put that thing in writing,” said Oba Regent.
Moreso, a cabinet member, Chief Vincent Ananti(Ananepungwu Oba) said that Iyasele and Igwe Peter Ezenwa were legends who left legacies saying he learnt a lot from them as a young Chief.
“Iyasele made money in the 70’s via Scotty records. He is the end of a phase. Iyasele death marks the end of the pioneer EzeOkpoko cabinet members, the end of a phase.
“Oba is one of the fastest growing economy in Anambra. We have some challenges but with synergy and concerted efforts,we shall overcome those challenges,”said Ananti
Moreover, President Umuogali Oba, Dr Enyi Kingsley Obasoanya said: “Iyasele’s death is not a loss to his family alone but to us all.He was a man of patience, and trades with caution”.
“Ichie Anichebe, Iyasele was so handsome that if you were annoyed and look at his face, you may not know when you will start smiling,” said Dr. Obasoanya.
Another cabinet member, Chief Sir Felix Uzor (Ichie Enyi II of Oba) advised Oba people to toe the good legacies of Iyasele as a model whom God blessed with longevity.
“Iyasele was our oldest surviving Ichie. We look up to him as a model. God blessed him with long life and good health.He did not die, he went home,” said Chief Uzor.
The duo of Chief Christian Nnoli(Aku Oba) and Dr Boniface Onwupenata described the deceased as a decent man, neither greedy nor given to rascality as seen in the present day music producers.
“Scotty records include OK Jazz of Congo Kenshasha of popular album ‘Mama Eliza’.Iyasele, the owner of AVANNI Table water also recoded for several Ghana musicians. Oba should name a street after him”, they said.
In his vote of thanks, the deceased eldest son, Mr. Chukwunonso Anichebe who said that his father raised with ‘Tough love’ thanked the EzeOkpoko’s cabinet, relatives, friends and well wishers who commiserated with praying God to bless Oba people.(MOI)
