Enugu clan rolls out drums, insists on autonomy

From Magnus Eze, Enugu

An array of politicians, diplomats, academics, captains of industry and others were at Edeaniagu in Ishi-Ozalla, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, on January 3, to celebrate the unique culture of the people.

Different masquerades and cultural troupes entertained the crowd as they showcased the clan’s beautiful heritage.

Traditional head of Edeaniagu clan, Don Sylvester Chinedu Nweke (The Ishi 1 of Ishi-Ozalla), accompanied by the elders-in-council and titled men, arrived the venue with pomp.

Nweke, who is also the Ede 1 of Edeaniagu and the Ureavueze 11, said the annual Edeaniagu Day among other reasons was aimed at sustaining and possibly transmitting their heritage from one generation to another.

He retreated the commitment of their sons and daughters to complement efforts of the government to the overall development of Edeaniagu clan, Ishi-Ozalla and Nkanu land. He, then, called on those championing division in the community to desist or face the full wrath of the gods: “Those sowing the seed of discord in Ishi-Ozalla will surely live to regret it. We are the aborigines in Nkanu land and we must lead by example. Respect the culture and sanctity of the land for together we shall build Edeaniagu of our dream and Ishi-Ozalla shall be great again.”

The Ufam of Ozalla Land, Prof. Muna Nweke Okoye expressed joy over the homogeneity and peaceful disposition of the people and called for its sustainability.

She vowed that no amount of oppression and intimidation can change the history: “Some of our brothers migrated from Okpatu and Ekwukwoutu, but Edeaniagu was that great man the White men met when they came to Ishi-Ozalla. He accommodated many people in the land, but today, they are trying to change the history. They use to cook food on yearly basis to come and thank our ancestors for the help rendered but today they are calling us names. I want to encourage you to be proud of your culture and always raise your heads up anytime, any day. As long as we are on the side of the truth, we will surely triumph.”

Representatives of an unnamed United Nations group at the event commended members of Edeaniagu clan for upholding their cultural values and traditions and promised to attract a big project to the community in the near future.

Members of the clan appealed to the Enugu State Government to approve their application for an autonomous community to enhance rapid development in the area.