Enugwu-Otu Aguleri, Anambra East Council Area was agog recently as their Traditional Ruler, Igwe Igbanugo Ejiofor performed his first Ovala festival in a grand style.

 

Ovala Njiko Enugwu-Otu Aguleri as it was tagged threw the community in joyous mood after mourning their late traditional ruler, Igwe Emmanuel Obiora.

They came out en masse to promote their rich culture and used the opportunity to pray to their ancestors to bless their land as an agrarian community and their sons and daughters.

 

The Ovala attracted traditional rulers from other communities especially those from Anambra North and Omabala axis, Ndi Ichie, Ojiana, members of the ruling council, Ndi Ogo nwanyi and many other groups.

The event got to its peak when Igwe Ejiofor stepped out in his royal attire accompanied by his wife, Mrs Ifeoma Ejofor and cabinet members.

 

They were led by the Igba Eze as they danced around the arena exchanging pleasantries to his guests.

After the dance, Igwe Ejiofor performed the kolanut ritual where he thanked God for his emergence and making it possible to host the Ovala which he said has united Ndi Enugwu-Otu to be in peace with one another, share uncommon love, and settle all the lingering issues within the community and with their neighbouring communities.

 

The monarch extolled the present administration in the state for awarding Aguleri-Otu road and provision of electricity, while calling on Orient Refinery to live up to their Corporate Social Responsibility by giving them whatever that is due for them as their host community.

The Chairman, Anambra East Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe George Ekwealor who is also the traditional ruler of Umuoba Anam, commended Ndi Enugwu-Otu for rallying round their traditional ruler and urged them to support him for a successful reign, saying that as an older traditional ruler, it is his responsibility to direct the younger ones on how to get it right and be in peace with their subjects.

 

Igwe Ejiofor during the Ovala festival conferred chieftaincy titles on some individuals who have distinguished themselves in different spheres of life and have contributed to the development and progress of the community.

One of the beneficiaries, Chief Nnamdi Adimora-Ikeli who served the community as President General, thanked God for speedy progress and peace recorded in the community and efforts made to have a constitution that will guide the community and called on the President General that succeeded him to build on existing peace, mutual relationship and brotherliness between them and their Igala speaking neighbouring communities.

 

The new town executive was also inaugurated with Mr. Joseph Odikpo as the President General.

 

Mr. Odikpo in his acceptance speech promised to give desired respect to their traditional ruler, champion peace, improve security architecture of the community and provide a serene environment for development.

Masquerade displays, paying homage and other cultural displays added glamour to the Ovala festival.