Igwe Sir Ralph Obumnemeh Ekpeh from Onuora Ekpeh family of Obeagu-orji village was born 78 years ago. He is the current Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri. He was crowned in 2011 and issued Certificate of Recognition by the Anambra State government.

Igwe Ralph Ekpe, Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri is undoubtedly a monarch with class. To say he is an enigma by every standard is an understatement. He is a traditional icon, who has held the Enugwu-Ukwu kingdom together in response to the covenant he made with his people and God. The philosophy behind the Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri as an institution is “duty for service and service to humanity”.

His love for his people and humanitarian nature moved him to set up scholarship apprenticeship schemes and appointed a board of trustees to manage the scheme. Within this short period on the throne, Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri has attracted a number of developmental projects in his community, including Obu Umunri Central Palace and Obu Okpalanakana. He attracted government’s attention to the construction of the Enugu/Onitsha expressway, while construction of a modern International market is ongoing.

Igwe Ekpe established various institutions to run the affairs of Enugwu-ukwu Enugwu-Ukwu Youth Commission, Enugwu-Ukwu Youth Council, Enugwu-Ukwu Igu Aro Commission, Umunri Colloquium Commission, Agriculture Exhibition Commission, Ito-Ogbo Commission, Obu Umunri Management Commission and Isi-Nri Museum Commission.

The Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri has encouraged and worked with the Enugwu-Ukwu Community Development Union for better results. One of the most important achievements of Igwe Ekpeh is the enthronement of peace in Enugwu-Ukwu. He carries everybody along, including Enugwu-Ukwu citizens in the Diaspora. His efforts and love for Enugwu-Ukwu resulted to the formation and inauguration of branches of Enugwu-Ukwu Community Development Union ECDU in the USA, UK, Germany etcetera.

Historical facts available showed that Enugwu-Ukwu people have lived for at least 4000 years. Enugwu-Ukwu, an ancient Igbo kingdom with one of the richest cultures and traditions in Nigeria, has a well organized traditional institution and sophisticated political leadership system.

Enugwu-Ukwu is surrounded by Nawfia, Nise, Agukwu-Nri, Nimo, Abagana and Enugwu-Agidi. The town consists of two large quarters known as Ifite and Akaezi; further divided into four quarters: Ifite Enu, Ifite Ani, Uruekwo and Avomimi, Orji and Urunnevo. There are eighteen villages in all.

Enugwu-Ukwu is the descendant of Okpalanakana-Ukabia Nri, the first son of the legendary Nri. Nri, being a traditionalist and farmer, travelled through Amanuke and berthed in the region of Mkpume Oyilienyi and Mkpume Ogokwu in Enugwu-Ukwu. He had five sons, namely: Okpalanakana (Enugwu-Ukwu), Okpalariam (Nawfia), Aguiyi (Enugwu-Agidi), Ifikwuanim (Agukwu-Nri) and Nwora, gone into extinct due to tribal wars

Eri had one daughter called Iguedo who was the legendary mother of Umu-Iguedo comprising: Awkuzu, Umueri, Nando and Ogbunike. Cultural tourism resources in Enugwu-Ukwu include: Igu-Aro, Ikpo-Ji, Ima mmiya, Isu-evo, Olili Onwa asato (New Yam Festival), Ilu-Ogbo.

This Igu-Aro festival is usually a one week event that culminates with the penultimate day of a carnival, pomp and pageantry with the display of the best in tradition and royalty. The Igu-Aro is celebrated to mark the beginning of a new year and to recognize and honour some deserving and cultural events.

Igu-Aro takes place in the Obu Umunri (cultural civic centre). Other components of Igu-aro are: Mmanwu Festival, Umunri Colloquium, Art Exhibition, Awards and Recognitions, Visits to Historical Sites, Igu-Aro Night, The main Igu-Aro day and carnival and Service in a church. The tenth Igu-Aro of Igwe Ralph Ekpeh is a unique and special event to mark the 63rd Igu-Aro Enugwu-Ukwu. The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, January 2, 2021 at the Ime Obu-Umunri Okpalanakana Ukabia Nri the fourth, Igwe Ononamkpume Agu-aro, Anya Mkpume Onyilienyi, Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri, congratulations.

CHIEF FRANK NWOKIKE

No related posts.