From: David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
The Igweship crisis in Okija community, in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State has been laid to rest with the nomination, presentation and coronation of Obi Izunna Okwudinaigbo as Obi Uhuowelle of Okija.
In a document signed and made available to the media, an eight-man panel made up of titled chiefs including Chief Emechebe Onwuka from Okpara Uhungwu Uhuobo clan; Chief George Okafor, Okpara Umuofor Uhuobo; Chief Stephen Ononuju, Okpara Umudim Uhuobo; Chief Samuel Ohizu, Okpara Oghalegbu Uhuowelle nominated and presented Obi Okwudinaigbo to inner royal cabinet for approval and presentation to the larger royal cabinet (Iba-Eze) for ratification.
In the document, the signatories said: “We, the entire members of Uhuobo and Uhuowelle community in Okija town, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State of Nigeria whose turn it is to produce the next Eze/Igwe of Okija in accordance with Okija constitution and age long custom and tradition of Okija town, have, after a careful consideration and screening of all interested candidates, selected and nominated Obi Izunna Okwudinaigbo (Obi Uhuowelle Okija) for the traditional stool of Eze/Igwe Okija.
During the coronation exercise members of Okija community came out enmass to receive and crown their new traditional ruler and to say goodbye to Igweship crisis in the peaceful and agrarian community. The community members appealed to government of Anambra State to always remember Okija people in the State developmental efforts.
Traditional rulers from many parts of Anambra State and beyond, politicians, business and industrial gurus as well as various dance groups graced the occasion.
The Igwe in his acceptance speech, promised to carry everybody along and ensure there is absolute peace in the community. He appealed for maximum cooperation by his subjects in order to move the community to the next level.