Igwe Emelobe of Oba pledges to restore the town’s image, tackle insecurity, and unify the people through reforms and development
The newly installed traditional ruler, Igwe Emelobe of Oba, in Idemili South LGA, Anambra State, has pledged to reform and reposition the community for peace, development, and renewed dignity.
Speaking during his maiden New Yam Festival, the monarch, Eze Okpoko II of Oba, vowed to tackle insecurity, resolve land disputes, and rid the town of criminal elements, particularly non-indigenes who took advantage of the community’s seven-year leadership vacuum.
“You will not hear or see Oba in a negative light again, by the grace of God,” he assured during the festival, which spanned seven days and drew a massive crowd to his palace.
Igwe Emelobe of Oba said that with support from the Anambra State Government, the community has already begun experiencing improved security, especially through youth engagement and the establishment of over 30 operational committees focused on development.
He noted that most past crimes attributed to Oba were perpetrated by outsiders during the time the town lacked a traditional ruler.
“My door is always open. We have created peace councils and are resolving many land cases where properties were sold multiple times. We believe in dialogue and community unity.”
The Ushiojioku (New Yam) Festival, observed from August 27 to September 2, was celebrated with cultural performances, prayers, and traditional rites, culminating in the symbolic cutting of the yam by the Igwe.
Chairman of Culture and Tradition, Chief Samuel Emeka Onuchukwu (Ichie Ifedinoba), explained the ritual dates:
- August 27: Ushiojiokuji (Yam)
- August 28: Ushiojioku Ede (Cocoyam)
- August 29: Ushiojiokumkpuluosisi (Fruits)
- August 30: Ushiojiokuichichenanghiholo (Spirits of the Land)
- August 31: Aloidi for Ozoidi title holders
“Now both Christians and traditionalists understand that the celebration of the first fruits is a shared value,” Onuchukwu said.
Rev. Chris Emelie, President General Emeritus of Oba, described Igwe Emelobe as a visionary leader who has already begun fulfilling his manifestos with integrity.
“He won the Igweship election twice with over 94% of votes. He is restructuring Oba from the ground up. This new era is clearly God-ordained.”
Rev. Emelie noted that the festival’s success served as a prelude to the grand Ofala festival scheduled for January 2026, hinting at a cultural renaissance for Oba.
The festival also witnessed the presence of several dignitaries and political leaders, including:
- Igwe Pharm Alex UzoOnyido of Ogidi
- Hon. Harris Uche Okonkwo, House of Reps Member for Idemili North and South
- Chief George Moghalu, Labour Party Governorship Aspirant
- Chief Ikenna Iyiegbu, APGA 2023 House of Reps Aspirant
- Other respected Oba chiefs, elders, and stakeholders
Igwe Emelobe of Oba reiterated his commitment to leadership through service, peace, and accountability.
He vowed to restore Oba’s image not just in Anambra, but across Nigeria.
“This is not just about rulership—it is about healing, rebuilding, and changing the narrative of who we are as Oba people,” he said.
With renewed hope, structure, and spiritual unity, Oba appears poised for transformation under Igwe Emelobe’s leadership.
Business3 years ago
