Oba Regent sues for Peace, Calmness as he Celebrates New Yam
By Uzo Ugwunze
As Oba community in Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State navigates rough terrains towards the selection cum election of their next traditional ruler amidst challenges, dissensions and court cases the Regent of Oba, Prince Noel Ezenwa(Ezeamaalu Oba) has called on everyone to embrace peace for the overall interest of Oba people and community.
Prince Noel Ezenwa made the plea at Igwe’s palace Oba during the 2023 New Yam festival celebration.
The annual festival which began with the EzeOkpoko-in-Council cabinet meeting that attracted several Ichies and Chiefs from Home and Abroad was another opportunity to deliberate on matters that will move Oba community forward.
“We thank God that he has not forsaken Oba in our era of misunderstanding and troubles. We are delighted that he has continued to throw light before us so that we may understand and see as he continues to unveil before us through court processes. It is our hope that many more people will learn the truth and be saved by the truth”.
“It is time to pusue peace with double zeal and grab it with both hands as we promised because if one holds somebody to the ground the person is equally holding himself”.
“Any person who will lead Oba will also lead the EzeOkpoko-in-council. Cabinet members have a role to play in determining who will become the Igwe. May our thoughts and actions be guided by the principle of Odimma Oba,” said Ezenwa.
The regent while performing the sacred rites of cutting, ikpoonunu(feeding the gods) and eating the new yam thanked God for his blessings and benevolence on Oba people and community praying for bumper harvest next year.
Moreover, Nze Ifeanyi Onwupenata (Ogbataonua Obiaomee Oba) prayed that Oba would continue to forge ahead despite challenges. “As Oba celebrates New Yam, Oba people have agreed to resolve their differences. I pray and urge everyone to be committed towards the peace of Oba,”
According to Chief Barr. Vincent Ananti(Aninepungwu Oba), Today is Oba New Yam festival, it is a new beginning. The storm is over. The next thing is to embrace peace, love and progress. As we eat new yam, the collective good and interest of Oba people should be the ultimate interest of everyone.
Also, Chief Edwin Nzelu(Omeifedilora Oba) after thanking God for good harvest noted that God makes Kings saying that kingship was not by strife or struggling. “Our project now is to get our Igwe and Oba must be good”.
However, Engr. Uzo Ejiofor after describing the uniqueness of new yam festival advised people to go back to farming and agriculture as an alternative means of livelihood and wealth creation. “Nigerians must get into production instead of consumption”.
The Oba President General Emeritus, Chief Ifeatu Uzowulu said that New Yam festival gives the cabinet members opportunity to come together to fix things urging youths to take things easy to avoid getting into unnecessary troubles.
The President Umuogali Development Union, Mr Edwin Onuora Ikechukwu after wishing the regent good health and prosperity described new yam celebration as a feast that marks the end of famine saying that after rigorous farming season one rejoices with others thanking God for plenty.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion include Chief Okwuduba Anyaorah(Ijele Oba), Chief Barr. Felix Uzo(Ichie Enyi II of Oba, Chief Boniface.M Onyeka (Ichie Okom), Chief Emeka Chima (Chinyelugo Onitsha) among many others were present to celebrate the 2023 new Yam festival.
