Aji community, Igbo-Eze North LGA, Enugu State recorded serious roadblock in the New Year as Igwe Simeon Osisi Itodo, the traditional ruler of Aji Essodo kingdom marked the Ofala festival/Uyo Afa and 38th Coronation anniversary.
The Ezeoha Royal Court, palace of the traditional ruler who is the Grand Patron, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council hosted various eminent personalities coupled with a flurry of Igbo cultural activities that enlivened the event.
Among the personalities that that graced the triple celebration which also featured the public presentation of the traditional rulers biography titled ‘Okosisi”, a collection of essays written in honour of the revered monarch, included Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, his deputy, Barr Ifeanyi Ossai , federal lawmakers, politicians and friends both at home and from the Diaspora.
The event organized with the tacit support of Umu Enugu-Ezikeoba in Diaspora and Igbo-Eze United Forum for Development, commenced with a Royal Pilgrimage to Ufu Ezikeoba, the ancestral homeland of the progenitor of Enugu-Ezike where Igwe Itodo paid homage to the forefathers .
In an Ofala address, Igwe Itodo noted that Ofala in the local parlance of the Essodo people means ‘Iri Ji’ or ‘Uyo Afa’ , a constitutional obligation which usually holds between August and September of every year . He noted that the 2026 Ofala was scheduled to hold at the beginning of the year for strategic reasons, one of which was to mark a new beginning after the initial hiatus or pause in the celebration, due to unhealthy security situation in the local government area in the past couple of years.
He disclosed that Ofala Essodo affords the people opportunity to renew interest and commitment to agriculture and food production as a veritable means of sustenance and wealth base.
“It provides us with the avenue for the revival, promotion and protection of our rich culture and tradition which distinguish us as a people. It also provides us with the avenue to showcase and market our rich culture to the world audience.
“It sheds light on the enormous tourism potentials open to our people-investors, corporate bodies and government, and such potentials that could be harnessed and harvested as income spinners. Ofala is an intrinsic aspect of our culture as it is a vital calendar showing a period of the year when we harvest the yield of our crops and offer thanks to Chukwu-our great creator for his blessings for the year” the Igwe stated.
The traditional ruler noted that Ofala for the Essodo people is an annual homecoming, reunion, thanksgiving and reenactment of the people’s resolve to live in peace and unity as brothers and sisters of one common ancestry.
Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah who felicitated with Igwe Itodo on his triple celebration and also unveiled his biography during the ceremony, praised the Monarch for his selfless leadership and service to the people of Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole.
His words “Igwe Itodo has embodied selfless leadership, moral authority, and a deep commitment to peace, unity, and service beyond the confines of his domain. His wisdom and counsel have continued to strengthen governance, foster community cohesion, and support development across Enugu State, reaffirming the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in our modern governance architecture.
The governor noted his administration’s support for traditional institutions and the promotion of the people’s cultural heritage is intentional.
“They preserve identity, transmit values, promote peace, and unlock opportunities in tourism, creative enterprise, and local economies” he said.
“As we build a New Enugu that is secure, prosperous, and culturally confident, we will continue to honour our custodians of tradition and invest in platforms that celebrate who we are and where we are going. Congratulations to Igwe Simeon Osisi Itodo and the good people of Aji-Essodo Ancient Kingdom on a successful Ofala Festival and the presentation of Okosisi. May peace, unity, and cultural pride continue to define the reign of His Royal Majesty and the progress of the community” the governor prayed.
To mark the 38th years on the throne by the traditional ruler, 38 persons from diverse backgrounds were chosen for honorific chieftaincy titles.
This development the monarch explained was borne out of the need to appreciate responsible and patriotic individuals who have helped to advance humanity positively in the sands of time.
He disclosed that those being honoured with Chieftaincy titles were not chosen because of financial gains rather they were screened and cleared from the Enugu state government house and the relevant security agencies as men and women of impeccable character without any financial corruption baggage or any form of irresponsible behavior trailing their persons.
Among the recipients included Chief Festus Oshaba –Onuh, the CEO, Ferotex construction group, who was honoured as Ikenga Ezikeoba, Chief Roland Ayogu , President of Umu Enugu –Ezikeoba in Diaspora resident in South Africa who was conferred as Ibobo Ezikeoba and Chief Emenike Onuh, another South African based businessman from Aji community and Chairman of Emperor Lounge and Tours , Johannesburg, South Africa, honoured as Akurulo Ezikeoba.
Others honoured included Oyinna Alubaja Ogbonna, the only female in the list, a Mental health specialist psychologist based in Texas, USA recognized as Omekannaya of Ezikeoba , Chief Augustine Chukwudi Adonu and Chief Uchenna Michael Amedu, two Onitsha based international businessmen honoured with titles of Egwu na atu ike and Omengbeoji respectively.
Prince of Essodo Kingdom and immediate past chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Prince Ejike Itodo who has watched his father in the throne in the last 38 years remarked that the Igwe has exhibited uncommon patriotism and love for his community and the people to the extent that he always goes the extra mile to ensure their welfare.
Prince Itodo while reflecting on the journey so far noted that Igwe Itodo’s ascendance as Ezeoha 1 of Essodo kingdom has been characterized by peace harmony, unity and development in all facets.
He appreciated Governor Peter Mbah for physically attending the event noting that the Governor’s goodwill has buoyed their efforts even as he assured him of the people’s continued support and loyalty to his administration looking forward to his second tenure in office which he predicted to be unassailable victory.
Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu who chaired the event, felicitated with Igwe Simeon Itodo whom he described as a great leader whom they all in the traditional rulers council of the state and Nsukka zone in particular, tap from his wisdom and fatherly counsel.
Head Ofala Publicity Committee, Hon. Nathaniel Ali in a goodwill message noted that Igwe’s dedication to leadership is inspiring.
“Your wisdom has guided not only Essodo but Enugu state at large. May your reign continue to be as remarkable as your journey to the throne filled with good health, happiness and triumphs. We pledge our loyalty and support as you lead us to greater heights” Dr Nath stated.
