In Dim Na Nume Isu, the beat now looks unstoppable. This ancient kingdom in Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State has a checkered history.
Internal wranglings that ensued soon after the demise of the first traditional ruler of the town, Eze JCI Ohiaeri, the Dim 1 of Dim Na Nume Isu, almost tore the community apart, but for the wisdom of some great minds who worked tirelessly to ensure the centre was able to hold at last.
Today, there is no dull moment, as the people embrace what could be aptly described as new wine in new sheepskin. This followed the coronation of Eze Nelson Uzoma Obasi, as the Dim 11 of Dim Na Nume Isu.
Not only Eze Nelson is new; there is also a newly inaugurated executive of the Din Na Nume Town Union (DTU), led by Chief Patrick Enwerem. Like new broom, both authorities are now sweeping to the admiration of the people.
Eze Obasi has taken the bull by the horn. In January, the traditional ruler in conjunction with the DTU executive, supervised the handing over funds of the Youths’ Empowerment Scheme of the Opurum Foundation. The funds were made available to some youths of the community for starter packs in their small scale businesses. However, to sustain, the programme, the interest-free fund was pronounced a revolving loan, and expected to be repaid after a year.
The installation of Nelson Obasi as the second traditional ruler of the town did not come on platter of gold. It indeed passed through rough paths of history. Following the demise of the first traditional ruler, there was bitter struggle for his successor. The political arm of the community (DTU) was also in shamble. Put simply, the town yawned for true leadership. The battle raged until a group of young patriots came together to begin the advocacy and dialogue, which brought about a new leadership.
Some of these patriots included Celestine Opurum, Dom Njoku, Cyril Anumnu (Zeco), Anayo Nwosu, Augustine Nwoke, Eleazer Mbata, and a host of others.
For their effort, some of them were honoured at last December’s outing, while others are in the waiting.
The coronation of Eze Obasi was unique in many aspects. The event was announced that fateful day with traditional canon gunshots emanating from the three sections of the autonomous community- Aboh/Umuopara, Osogwu, and Isi Obi Ato.
About 7am, the Dim II was at Umuopara Hall, the traditional Isi Obi hall of Dim Na Nume Isu people, where the traditional ritual of the formal coronation took place.
The programme was less than an hour, and everybody headed to the palace of the newly crowned traditional ruler, Eze Obasi, in Osogwu wher some indigenes of Dim Na Nume Isu were conferred with chieftaincy titles.
Dim Na Nume Isu has its people almost hundred percent Christians and so they can do nothing without seeking the face of the Lord. This is more so when the traditional ruler is also a Knight of Saint Christopher in the Anglican Church. The Eze’s coronation event was not an exception. So, from the Eze’s palace, everybody moved to St John’s Anglican Church, Dim Na Nume Isu, wherte the Archbishop emeritus and Bishop of the Diocese of Orlu Anglican Communion, Most Rev Bennett C I Okoro, formally consecrated the crown of honour of the new king. This singular act was indeed novel in the Local Government Area.
Those conferred with chieftaincy title during the ceremony equally did not get it on platter of gold. They were put to rigorous tests, and also screened severally to avoid a situation where charlatans and impostors were allowed to be conferred with chieftaincy of the town.
Apart from those conferred with chieftaincy title, there were others that were given medals of honour in appreciation of their contribution to the development of the community.
Chief Chyna Iwuanyanwu, chairman of the occasion, noted that such an occasion was an opportunity to celebrate the courage and valour of some founding fathers and leaders of Dim Na Nume Isu, who made enormous sacrifice and who must be recorded in history and posterity as the pillars of the great community. He paid tribute to them (both the dead and the living), adding that “the history of Dim Na Nume Isu will be incomplete without them.”
But he appealed with all and sundry: “The legacy that binds us together as a people must not be broken; the unity of the Isu is a task that must be achieved”. He urged everyone to come together and set an agenda for the reunion of ancient Isu.
The colourful ceremony was, no doubt, the biggest event witnessed in the area in recent times. It marked a great reunion.