Hurray! His Majesty, Obi Sir Patrick Mbamalu Okeke, the traditional ruler of Abagana, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State is twenty-five years on the throne. The words of King Solomon: “Kindness and faithfulness keep a king safe, through kindness his throne is made secure” best describes the monarchy of Igwe Okeke.
Igwe Okeke was crowned and issued the Ofo Abagana in December, 1998 by the custodians of culture and tradition of Abagana, the then Aja Ana Abagana, Chief Simon Okeke and the then traditional prime minister of Abagana, Chief Francis Akpuaka after the reign of Igwe Angus Ilonze. Thereafter, he was issued the certificate of recognition by the Anambra State government.
Igwe Okeke is an epitome of a good leader; a man of peace, a lover of equity, justice and fair play. He has ruled his Kingdom for the past twenty-five years with a sense of dignity, dedication, honesty, humility, tranquility and diligence.
Igwe Okeke was born to Late Chief Nwokafor Nnanyelugo Okeke and Late Iyom Chinwemma Okeke. His father is a descendant of the royal family of Okeke Ezeaputa Obododike of Umudiese kindred, Akpu village, Abagana. Thus, Patrick is royalty. He attended Saint Mark’s Catholic School, Abagana and Saint Peter’s Anglican School, Enugu. He founded Mbamalu Construction Company Limited in Enugu in 1960 and was very successful civil engineering contractor.
He served his community in different capacities including as Chairman, Akpu Village Union from 1977 to 1991; Patron, Akpu village, Abagana, Chairman and later Patron, Ezeaputa family, Akpu Village, Abagana and Member, Abagana Welfare Union, Enugu Branch. He held many other sensitive positions in various places, including in Peoples Club of Nigeria and Udoka Age Grade, Abagana.
He is the Director of Paco Industrial Company; Director, PAV General Contractors and Chairman/CEO, Mbamalu Construction Company Limited. He is also a member, Parish Pastoral Council and Chairman, Saint Martin’s Hilltop Catholic Church Building Committee, Abagana. He was former Vice President and now Grand Patron of League of Gentlemen (LOG) Club, Abagana.
Igwe Okeke is a distinguished member of the Knight of Saint John International and Member, Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council and Njikoka Local Government Area Traditional Rulers’ Council and Member, Royal Brothers.
He many recognizations, awards and medals in his kitty such as the Peoples’ Club of Nigeria National Medal and Top Foundation Donor of Saint Martin’s Hilltop Catholic Church, Abagana.
He is married to Lady Josephine Okeke (nee Ngananga) and the marriage is blessed with children.
His community, Abagana is the headquarters of Njikoka Local Government Area and is made up of Adagbe, Akpu, Amaenye, Orofia, Umudunu, Uru and Uruokpala villages. Early Igbo history has it that Abagana, Nimo, Eziowelle and Abba are related; hence, they are called Umu Owelle.
Abagana is bounded in the north by Abba, Ukpo, and Enugu Agidi; in the South by Nimo and Eziowelle; in the East by Enugwu-Ukwu and in the west by Umunnachi and Ifitedunu. Ndi Abagana were known to be great warriors, adventurers, and statesmen.
The community is rich in culture and traditions. They boast of many cultural festivals which include: Nkwo Abagana; Ilo Muo; Aro Abagana and Iyi Azi with several masquerades such as Ijele, Odum, Enenma, Ogazi, Ugo, Kpoko, Izeh and Ijaw.
All these will be showcased during the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Traditional Ruler of Abagana, His Majesty, Obi Sir Mbamalu Patrick Okeke on the throne of Ndi Abagana and the twenty-fifth Ịgụ Arọ of the monarch. It will begin with a twenty-one gun salute, ufie music and all-night vigil on Friday, December 29, 2023 from 5pm. The D-day, Saturday, December 30, 2023 will be heralded by a concelebrated High Mass at 9am at the Igwe’s Palace, Akpu Village, Abagana. Conferment of chieftaincy titles, awards and display of cultural dances, masquerades and other traditional endowments of Abagana kingdom will follow afterwards.
Abagana Welfare Union and the entire Abagana community, therefore, invite you to come and celebrate with them.
Abagana kweenu! Abagana kwezuenu! Abagana bụ enyi
Written by CHIEF RALPH OKEAKPU
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