..as Anambra traders endorse Soludo for second tenure
By Uzo Ugwunze
The Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka III of Obosi Ukwalla kingdom (Ogalagidi) stole the show Saturday afternoon at Chuba Ikpeazu Sports Stadium Awka Road, Onitsha as he broke kolanut to bless Prof. Charles Soludo and the entire traders in Anambra State who gathered in their thousands to endorse the incumbent Governor for a second term in office.
The sight of Eze Iweka III performing such a sacred ritual attracted the attention of many as the Iwa Oji or breaking of Kolanut was performed near the palace of his predecessor, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe who was the immediate past Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council.
It was unprecedented as
breaking of kolanut, or Iwa Oji, is a sacred ritual in Igbo culture that symbolizes hospitality, peace and a connection to the ancestors. It is performed by the eldest man present or in some other instances the highest title holder present or the native of that particular community where the gathering or event is taking place.
It involves presenting the nut, offering prayers for blessings, breaking it into pieces for sharing, and eating it as a sign of mutual respect and acceptance within the community.
The ritual marks the official start of any gathering and is a fundamental part of Igbo social and spiritual life.
However, since the Obi of Onitsha was conspicuously absent at the event within his domain, the onus was said to be on Eze Iweka III of Obosi Ukwalla kingdom who was the highest title holder and in his capacity as the Chairman, ASTRC to perform the revered ritual before the mammoth crowd that gathered under the umbrella of Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association ASMATA led by Chief Humphrey Anuna (Onwa Oraeri Ajilija).
His prayers: “Today is a great day. A day all the traders in Anambra State came together to endorse Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
“It shows that all the traders understand what our Governor has been doing. It would not be long Anambra will become like the White man’s country.
We are saying that it will be well with our Governor and his entourage. It will be well with all the traders. You will trade and make profits so that you and every other people will keep supporting our Governor so that he keeps working until he finishes the good works he has started doing for Ndi Anambra.
“I pray for the long life and good health of everyone present here. I pray for peace in your homes and businesses. It will be well with all of you. Let God bless our Governor. Let God bless all those working with him. Let God bless all the traders present. Let God prosper your businesses and fulfill your heart desires through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
