Eze Okpoko 1 of Obodoukwu rounded off the ‘Iriji’ cultural celebration with appreciation and gifts

Eze Okpoko 1 of Obodoukwu rounded off the ‘Iriji’ cultural celebration with appreciation and gifts

… treat palace chiefs and supporters to a rendezvous of merriment

By Naomi Onome

The significant celebration tied to a cultural and personal milestone while marking the completion of ‘iriji’ and empowerment held on September 21st, 2025, in Ijegun, Lagos, has led to a generous gesture by Eze Chika Nwokedi, Ezendigbo of Ijegun Ijeododo, as he treats his cabinet chiefs and other supporters to a rendezvous of merriment.

The act of treating supportive members of the public to a feast is in line with the tradition of the ‘iriji’ festival, where sharing of food symbolises unity and gratitude. Moreover, the get-together as orchestrated by Eze Chika is meant to show appreciation to supportive chiefs and members of the Eze Okpoko Palace for playing an important role in ensuring a successful and productive event.

The monarch, Eze Okpoko 1 of Obodoukwu, in his goodwill message reiterated that the abundant food, generous gifting of a ‘one of its kind’ traditional walking stick, presentation of awards accompanied by gold wristwatches, bags of rice, duvet and other items shared is inspired by his faith and personal conviction to gift deserving persons. He also emphasised that gifting as guided by his heart is a practice of over 30 years since his coming to Lagos.

However, after Eze Okpoko’s coronation as an Igbo leader in Ijegun Ijeododo, he’s been blending tradition with modern development while ensuring community development. His philanthropy spanned across the Ijegun-Ijeododo environs; it stemmed from empowering widows and transcended into empowering the less privileged financially. Moreover, motorcyclists known as ‘okada men’ in the Ijegun-Ijeododo environs have benefitted from free fuel several times as a way Eze Okpoko says he gives back to the society.

According to Eze Okpoko, the act of giving enables him a sense of fulfilment of purpose; hence, the never-ceasing urge to always give a helping hand to those who need it. Moreover, during the get-together, awards were presented to dignitaries who missed out on the official presentation at the just-concluded Iriji festival. The awardees include Onyeka Onwemesi, the chairman of revenue Ikotun Igando; HRH Amb. Sir Godwin Njubigbo, J.P., the Ezendigbo of Mainland Local Government; and Mr Charles Mgbe Kelechi, the chairman of Ndigbo Ijegun Ijeododo.

Appreciate messages from awardees

Onyeka Onwemesi, Chairman of Revenue, shares gratitude over the honour presented by the Eze Okpoko Palace and also talked about community goals. He mentioned that the awards achievement will further spur the inspiration to do more for the Igbo community and described Eze Okpoko as a good, generous, and very nice leader who does so much for the Igbo people. Says his charitable contributions to the community speak volumes, urging him to keep up the good work.

Amb. Sir Godwin Njubigbo, J.P., the Ezendigbo of Mainland Local Government, expressed his gratitude for being awarded by Eze Okpoko’s palace and encouraged the Igbos to live in peace under the leadership of Eze Okpoko in Ijegun Ijeododo. He plans to use the award to help the less privileged and the Igbos in his community, ensuring good conditions and peace. He also emphasised the importance of respecting Yoruba law and urging Ndigbo in Lagos State to focus on their business and avoid conflicts. He believes in focusing on set goals and ensuring peace in their community.

Mr Charles Mgbe Kelechi, chairman of Ndigbo Ijegun Ijeododo Lagos, expressed happiness and gratitude for the honours and gifts presented by Eze Okpoko’s palace. He emphasised the importance of integrity and transparency as seen in the actions of Eze Okpoko 1, whom he says is worth emulating, and prays for more progress and unity amongst the Ndigbo.

Moreover, Charles, in his goodwill message, drummed up support for Eze Okpoko 1 and urged Igbos in Ijegun Ijeododo to embrace and honour the monarch for his act of humanity. He also conveyed his hope for more developments in the palace.

Chief Godwin Ogbuka and wife, Chief Godwin Anaeme (Chairman Eze Okpoko palace), Chief Emeka Onwukaobi (Onowu), Obi Udo of Ijegun Ijeododo, Chief Mrs Ada Odili and other palace chiefs in their numbers went home with an apportioned share of beef and other items.