Handshake across the Niger

•  Ooni Ife, Etsu Nupe, others in Anambra as Obosi monarch showcases culture

From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha

It was another handshake across the Niger and a showcase of culture at its best in Obosi community, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State recently as the traditional ruler, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka III marked this year’s Iwaji Obiora Obosi Festival.

The star-studded event held at Obosi town drew an array of eminent personalities, over 30 first class traditional rulers across Nigeria, politicians, government functionaries among others.

Among the dignitaries were the  Ooni of Ife, Oba  Adeyeye Enitan  Ogunwusi, the  Etsu of Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers,  Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar,  Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State,  Presidential Candidate of Labour party in the 2023 general elections and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi among others.

Obosi was in a carnival mode that Saturday and as early as 6 am when the cannon gunshots boomed to salute the Eze Obosi as he woke up from sleep, the entire community and beyond recorded unprecedented human and vehicular traffic to signal that a great day of celebration had come.

At 10.30 am, another 21 gun salute heralded the arrival of the Obosi traditional ruler, the National and State Council of Traditional Rulers followed by the arrival of Governor Soludo and other government functionaries.

After the kolanut rituals, Eze Obosi who is the current Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC) in an address appreciated God for His stupendous blessings since last year’s Obiora Festival noting that God has sustained their lives, blessed them richly and extended their tents in the face of economic and social challenges.

The traditional ruler explained that Obiora Obosi/ Iwaji festival is a ceremony marking the celebration of the new yam harvest, and of peace. He noted that the yam harvesting period in Obosi brings a lot of excitement, jubilation and display of their agricultural yield.

He revealed that the ancients of Obosi kingdom thought it wise that with the joy and excitement expressed by the people in this season, a law was imposed compelling the people to co-exist in harmony.

“Our ancestors therefore imposed a heavy fine on anyone who fights during the Obiora week, urging our people to maintain peace from one Obiora to the next.

“This occasion is particularly special to me, as it marks my 14 Obiora/Iwaji festival and my first as Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC). This appointment by our hard working governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Oluatuegwu is an honour to lead and represent our rich traditional heritage and the prestigious kings of Anambra State.

“The governor has performed immensely well in the development of our dear  state,  in security, manpower development with one-youth-two-skills initiative, in free education and the Smart Schools programme, the rural road infrastructure and agriculture with the free disbursement of improved seedlings and agro-allied farm additives to farmers.

“Our joy is not only in the bountiful harvest of yams but also in the peaceful atmosphere that enveloped the town. The peace we cherish is the testament of our unity and commitment to one another in the spirit of togetherness, let us extend our hands to one another, ensuring that no one is left behind. Be your brother’s keeper. As we celebrate, let us remember the less fortunate among us, let us share our abundance and create a brighter future together. I urge each one of you to embrace the ideals of cooperation, friendship and support that collectively form the hallmark of Obiora / Iwaji festival” said Igwe Chidubem Iweka.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who was honoured by the traditional ruler with the Chieftaincy title of Oluatuegwu Obosi during the ceremony, poured encomiums on Igwe Iweka and congratulated the people of Obosi on the Obiora Festival.

Gov. Soludo praised the Obosi monarch for his scholarly achievements and leadership qualities.

“He is the chairman of the Anambra state traditional rulers’ council; a very capable one and well-educated. His selection as the chairman of the Anambra state traditional rulers’ council was based on merit. And he is a celebrated and award-winning author,” Soludo said.

Gov. Soludo encouraged Obosi people to keep on promoting and protecting their cultural heritage as culture defines a people.

“Your culture is unique; it is a unique one. So I want to encourage you to keep on celebrating your cultural practices because they define you. And Obosi is an ancient kingdom. Keep it up. Our culture must not die. Long live Obosi kingdom; and long live Igboland” the governor stated.

President General, Obosi Development Union ODU, Worldwide, Amb. Chimezie Obi Esq. described Obiora as their jubilee season – a time to forgive and let go of those vices and things that weigh them down.

“It is a period that makes a blend like a fine wine between pomp and pageantry and a reflection of our virtues of forgiveness, fraternity and filial bonding,” he stated.

Chairman of Obiora/ Iwaji 2025, Nze Ken Ifeatu Obi in a speech said the festival is not just a celebration of the harvest but a time honoured tradition that embodies the spirit of their community, their culture and their shared values.

“This year’s Obiora comes with a renewed spirit of togetherness. As we partake in traditional rites and share the first yam of the season, let us reflect on the values of community and bonds that tie us together. The yam is more than a staple food, it represents the fruits of our labour, our resilience and commitment to one another. Just as the yam thrives in the soil marked by our hard work, so too does our community flourish when we come together in solidarity and mutual support” he stated.

Contributing,  President General, Obosi Community Women Wing, Mrs Ifeoma Agbanusi said the women folk are supporting the traditional ruler and the community administration towards making Obosi the desired destination community in Anambra state.

A philanthropist, CEO of Igboebisi Education Foundation IEF, Dr Kene Igboebisi advised people to always identify with their culture no matter whatever field of endeavor they find themselves.

“If you understand your culture, you understand your roots. It will help you have balance and it will guide you in whatever you are doing in life” he stated.

The Senior Special Assistant to Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Hon. Tallest Innocent Nwosu, an Obosi indigene, commended the appointment of Eze Obosi as  the Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council in the state . He described the development as not only the triumph of excellence in tradition but a reaffirmation of the enduring strength of Igbo institutions and cultural identity.

Conveying the felicitations of Gov. Seyi Makinde to the Obosi Monarch, he said that as a government that deeply values diversity and inclusiveness, the governor is proud of the strong growing relationship between Oyo State and the Igbo community, particularly the Obosi people resident in Oyo state.

“This bond continues to flourish through shared values and cultural exchange” he noted.

The Obiora Festival was spiced with various cultural activities like the ikpo onunu, egwu otu odu, egwu agbalanze , ekwe ndi ichie na abummadu including paying of homage to the traditional ruler by age grades, royal fathers and dignitaries.