By Nwabueze Okonkwo
OBOSI — IT was a celebration of love and gratitude for the creme de la creme of the society as they gathered at the Township Stadium, Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, joined His Majesty, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka III of Obosi Ukwalla Kingdom to celebrate his 14th Obiora/Iwaji festival on the throne.
This year’s ceremony was described as the most prestigious so far, as it witnessed a handshake across the Niger with the presence of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; the Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu; Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, among other dignitaries that included about 30 other traditional rulers from within and outside Anambra State.
Also, Labour Party Governorship Candidate in the upcoming Anambra State election, Chief George Moghalu, among others, graced the occasion to have their share in the rich cultural heritage of Obosi ancient kingdom.
In his royal speech, Eze Iweka III thanked God for bountiful harvests and blessings this year. He said the yam harvesting period in Obosi brings a lot of excitement as their ancestors impose a heavy fine on anyone who fights during the Obiora week. The monarch, who used the occasion to confer a Chieftaincy title of Okosisi na eje mba 1 of Obosi kingdom on Delta State-born industrialist, Chief Gabriel Obojehren, urged his people to maintain peace in the community.
As part of the highlights of the ceremony, the monarch served children with roasted new yams and red oil, garnished with native ingredients.
“This Obiora/Iwaji festival is the first one I am celebrating as Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC). This appointment by His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, our hardworking governor, is an honor to lead and represent our rich traditional heritage and the prestigious kings of Anambra State.
“The Governor has performed immensely well in the development of the state, especially in security, manpower development with one-youth-two-skills initiative, free education, and the smart schools programme. He has built rural roads and encouraged agriculture with free distribution of improved seedlings and agro-allied farm additives to farmers, to recount just a few,” Iweka said.
He said that their “joy is not only in the bountiful harvest of yams but also in the peaceful atmosphere that enveloped the town.
The peace we cherish is the testament of our unity and commitment to one another”.
In his remarks, the President General of Obosi Development Union, ODU, Worldwide, Amb. Chimezie Obi Esq. appreciated God who has sustained Ndi Obosi in their various endeavors in different parts of the world where they live.
“Obiora is our jubilee season – a time to forgive and let go of those vices and things that weigh us down. It is a period that makes a blend like a fine wine between pomp and pageantry and a reflection of our virtues of forgiveness, fraternity, and filial bonding.”
The Chairman of Obiora/Iwaji 2025 celebration, Nze Ken Ifeatu Obi, said, “This year’s Obiora festival comes with a renewed spirit of togetherness. As we partake in traditional rites and share the first yams of the season, let us reflect on the value of community and the bonds that tie us together. The yam represents the fruits of our labour, our resilience and commitment to one another”.
In their separate speeches, Igwe Agbala, Asimonye, and others eulogized Igwe Chidubem Iweka for his efforts in promoting peace and security not just in Obosi but among other communities as the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, ASTRC.
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