By David Onwuchekwa
Amiliba community in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State has officially commissioned its Obi and installed Chief Okechukwu Patrick Onwujiobi (Obiwuenyi) as the Obi of Amiliba.
The historic event was performed by the traditional ruler of Nnewi, His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Kenneth Orizu III, and attracted dignitaries from within and outside Nnewi, including the Obi of Umudim, Obi Bennett Okafor; Obi Nnewichi, Obi George Onyekaba; Umuadas of Amiliba, grandchildren of the community, and other well-wishers.
While performing the official opening of the Obi and installing Chief Onwujiobi as custodian of the traditional institution, Igwe Orizu charged the people of Amiliba to uphold the Obi as a unifying institution.
He said the Obi should serve as a centre for dialogue, community development, and peaceful resolution of disputes whenever the need arises.
The Igwe called for cooperation with the Obi and respect for the traditional institution, as he prayed and blessed the newly installed custodian.
Speaking, the President General of Amiliba Development Union, Mr Walter Udegbunam thanked God for the gift of life, strength and wisdom He has given to them to overcome numerous challenges and bringing the project to fulfillment.
“We express our profound gratitude to our noble king, Igwe Dr Kenneth Orizu III for his fatherly support, wisdom and blessings which have fostered sustainable peace and progress in Amiliba community.
“We also appreciate the planning committee members of this event, stakeholders and the good people of Amiliba for their unwavering support and cooperation, especially Agbaro Nnewi for upholding truth and justice in resolving the age-long land dispute that enabled the Obi Amiliba to be sited where it is today” he added.
In his felicitation, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Chief Philip Nzubechukwu Okafor (Ogbuefi Ifeadigo), CEO of Philippo Superior Ventures, described the occasion as historic for Amiliba people at home and in the diaspora.
“History has been made. The highly anticipated Obi Amiliba has been built in our generation, and it is something we are grateful to God for. Today, the gods of our ancestors, Eke, Orie, Afo and Nkwo, have stood by us to restore our culture and tradition,” he said.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Planning Committee, Hon. Amobi Okonkwo, described the event as epoch-making and a symbolic re-enactment of the history of Amiliba.
“This Obi is where traditional matters of Amiliba community will be handled. Our people must respect, adhere to, and uphold our traditional institution for the collective well-being of all,” he said, expressing gratitude to Igwe Nnewi for his fatherly presence, guidance, and support.
He disclosed that the construction of the Obi was a collective effort of Amiliba people.
Chairman on the occasion, Hon. C. C. Martin Mdujekwu, urged the community to cooperate with the Obi and uphold respect for the traditional institution, while encouraging the Obi to administer justice with fairness and equity.
The colourful ceremony featured masquerade displays of various categories, traditional music, and other forms of cultural entertainment.
