Celebration of “Uwaji”,Coronation of Chiefs by Eze Okpoko 1 of “Obi Eziokwu” palace, Ijegun Ijeododo(Photos).
By Onome Naomi
It was a memorable gathering of Royals,VIPs and dignitaries at the 1st Annual New Yam Festival of the “Obi Eziokwu” Palace ruled by Eze Dr. Chika Nwokedi, the Obi of Ijegun/Ijeododo community, Lagos on the 17th September, 2022. The event was chaired by High Chief Eddie Ifeanyi Ogiejiofor- “Ogbueyi Manyelugo of Nando” Dep. Comptroller Nigerian Immigration.
Dignitaries attended the colourful event from far and near to observe in celebration first of it’s unique kind to be corroborated traditionally in display of the igbo culture in encomium and solidarity, an event which attracted indigenes of other culture and races.
The Royals and guest of honour at the event includes: The Eze lawrence, the Ezendigbo of Alimosho ,High Chief Eddie Ifeanyi Ogiejiofor- “Ogbueyi Manyelugo of Nando” Dep. Comptroller Nigerian Immigration ,Chinese Asuka Ogbuefi,Chief Sunday Eze- President of Igbo speaking community, Amb. High Chief Cyril Abananojie, Eze Njoku, Eze Emenike,High Chief Vitus Uzo Onwa, High Chief Sunny Akpoyibo, Dr. Chief Okechukwu Uzegbunam – Chairman Igbo Speaking community Igando/Ikotun amongst others.
There was a rich cultural display in significance to the “Uwaji” celebration with an array of programs ranging from the display of Masquerades, cultural music and dance, presentation of certificate awards and coronation of more chiefs into the Obi Ezioku palace of Ijegun/Ijeododo kingdom.
The Okpoko 1, Eze Chika inexplicably showed that culture is a way of life to be reckoned with as his palace and disposition was seen in the way of promoting culture and tradition to its fullest.
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However, Eze Okpoko 1 at the start of the event coronated some more Chiefs into his palace, awarded some certificates as well as an official crowning of the prince and princess to also commemorate the event of the New Yam Festival. Some of those awarded certifications at the event includes dignitaries and some service Chiefs of the Nigerian Police who have done pretty well in managing the affairs of the people expertly without bias or cultural preferences or prejudices as well as proper management of duties or positions held.
When speaking with the press, Eze. Chika talked about the turnouts of events celebrated this year so far and how grateful he has been especially to people who have steadfastly attended his programs consecutively. He also expressed gratitude for the massive acceptance and regards he received so far from people who appreciates his good effort, satisfied with the fact that he is always set to achieve goals and make impacts as well as bring change into his environment and people.
He stated that It is the culture of an igbo man to eat yam in style as it springs up yearly, he promises to celebrate “Uwaji” annually every 3rd saturday of September as this is the first time he is celebrating the new yam festival as a king.
Nigerians should also learn that as a leader, learn to touch lives not minding what anybody thinks, when you are at the top you will become a topic, I’ve touched lives in different ways and there are testimonies to that as seen during testimonials at the event ground despite criticism from some fellow Royals, he said.
Lolo Pst.Tessy Chika Nwokedi, the eloquent queen of the Obi Eziokwu palace also had a chat with journalist on why people should embrace culture as a way of life and as it is, the aim and objectives of the palace is to stand for the truth at all times which includes doing what is right, some of which is seen during the New Yam festival event. She also told the press why their little son and daughter was crowned the prince and princess as it is a cultural heritage for the child of a king to be crowned at an early age depending on when the father( The king) ascends the throne. The prince and prince was bestowed with the titles” Prince Nwachukwutobelugo and Princess Adakaibeya respectively.
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As a philanthropist, Eze Chika has made it a mandatory exercise to always bless the widows monthly , the less priviledged even the priviledged – you must always leave with something valuable upon acquaintance. He is respondent to the plight of the voiceless to bring a ray of hope to the injustice melted out on people with no backings and as such has displayed diverse leadership qualities worth emulating to foster peace and togetherness amongst the people not minding your culture or background.
