Amawbia community in Awka South local government area over the weekend rolled out their drums in commemoration of the last ofala festival of its traditional ruler, Igwe Micheal Okoye.
The ceremony which commenced at the Amawbia Town Hall through Amawbia Enugwu-Ukwu road, ended at the Palace of Igwe Okoye with sons and daughters of the community both at home and in the diaspora, friends and we’ll wishers in attendance.
Chief Emeka Maduka in accordance with the customs and traditions of Amawbia announced the official demise of their traditional ruler Igwe Okoye.
The ceremony which brought the six villages of the community together including all the age grades and different types of masquerades featured at the handover of the royal brief case containing royal cap and caftain among other royal regalia’s to the Osojeze by the youths.
In his condolence message, Governor Willie Obiano who harped on the importance of tradition, commended Amawbia people for standing solidly behind their late Igwe , calling on other communities to emulate them
Governor Obiano represented by his deputy Dr. Nkem Okeke advised them to strictly follow the laid down rules and regulations of the community in crowning another Igwe to consolidate the existing peace in the state, assuring them of governments support. UPSOT
In his speech, the President General, Amawbia Town Union, Engineer Chris Nwoye who described their late Igwe as God’s sent and one that had the love and interest of the community at heart, prayed God to bless Amawbia with another Igwe that will carry on the late Igwe’s legacies and take them to higher level.
In their separate speeches, the late Igwe’s children, Prince Chinua Okoye and Princess Amaka Okoye who said that they will miss their father whom they described as their confidant adviced their community to be very meticulous in coronating a new Igwe, pointing out that the throne is not a do or die affair.
Responding, the chairman of Ofala Committee, Sir Ikem Odumodu who described the Ofala as the first and last of the late Igwe who was on the throne for forty-two years, and died at ninety-two years, explained that there is no royal family in Amawbia but rotational system and disclosing that Umueze village would produce the next Igwe.
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