Beyond one’s academic achievements and other life accomplishments and laurels, receiving one’s community’s most prestigious chieftaincy title seems to be one of the most cherished accomplishment any Igbo man would ask for.
This was what played out in the life of a United States-based Pharmacist, Dr Clement Nduka, when he was enthroned into the revered Oba stool of the ancient Nri Kingdom at his country home, Umudiana village, Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
His wife, a medical doctor and President of Nduka Foundation, Chief Mrs Chinwe Nduka was, also during the ceremony, initiated into the most prestigious women group in the community, Otú Ọdụ Iyom, Secretary.
These initiations are coming only two weeks after Dr Nduka was also initiated into the sacred Nze na Ozo society of the community and with this ceremony, therefore, he has ascended to the highest title an individual can attain in the community.
Ili Oba is the ceremony where a candidate who has been found to have met the requirements to be installed into the Oba stool is formally admitted and given the rights and privileges of the exalted office.
In the olden days, an Nze or Ozo title holder can only qualify for the position after it is confirmed that he at least has ten bans of yams which signifies wealth and farming dexterity and is testified to have maintained the stellar character for which he was qualified for the Nze or Ozo title.
The ceremony began with the President of the Otu Ọdụ Iyom and Ezenwanyi Anaocha, Chief Mrs Regina Okoye calling out the candidate of the day, Chief Mrs Nduka to sit and be presented with the symbols of her initiation into the Otu Ọdụ Iyom.
Her feet were first washed with water and soap as a purification, then the Ona ụkwụ, Ona Aka, Nza, neck beads were worn on her after which the hand fan that bears the inscription of her moniker, “Anyafulgo Nri” was handed over to her.
After her initiation, the ceremonies for the enthronement of her husband into the Oba stool kickstarted with the kola nut rituals performed by the Eze Oba, Isi Oba Nri, Chief Ramas Okoye-Asuzu.
Then, Dr Nduka was ushered to sit on the Oba stool where he was decorated with the “Ona” on his ankle and crowned by Dr Okoye-Asuzu.
It was followed by the “Ike Agbọ”, presentation with the “Mma Okpoko”, and Ọdụ Enyi followed by the announcement of his official title which was “Oba Ikenga Nri, Oba Oji Alor Ji Ọfọ” which marked the completion of the enthronement process, followed by his dance across the arena and playing of Igba Enyi.
Speaking on the significance of the title, a member of Isi Oba Nri, Dr Ambrose Obi-Okoye said the title which is the only title that its bearers wear seven feathers compared to the traditional rulers’ eight, is the apex title in the community and marks the zenith of accomplishments.
In separate interviews with the ABS, the celebrants Dr and Mrs. Nduka expressed joy on the recognition and honour by the community, promising to continue to impact the lives of others positively through the various programmes and initiatives of their foundation.
The ceremony was attended by many dignitaries and government officials including the Deputy Majority Leader of Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr Jude Akpua, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi and a former candidate of the Young Progressives Party, YPP for Anambra Central Senatorial District in last year’s general elections, Dr Chinedu Umeadi.
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