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By Gilbert Ekezie
The Umungwo village, Nkalu Ifakala Community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State will witness an epoch making event from 7th-9th January, 2022
It is a period of the installation of Ozo title on one of the illustrous sons of the community, Uwabunkeonye Ekezie (Akuenwebe).at the Ekezie Ohaleme”s compound. The installation which will be graced by family, friends, well-wishers and business associates will create another milestone in the Ozo titleship in the community..
Uwabunkeonye will be joining Nze Godwin Ekezie as the only two surviving Ozo title holders in the entire Umungwo village.
Uwabunkeonye, an Awka based businesses man and Construction Supervisor will be admitted into the prestigious and reverred Ozo title institution by the Ifakala Nze na Ozo title holders where he will be expected to play the desired role of a peacemaker.
It is expected that festivities will be at a pitch with musicians, dancers and other entertainers to thrill the guests. The Ozo title holders will also be busy, enjoying their entitlements.
Uwabunkeonye explained that he decided to be an Ozo title holder due the role it is playing to ensure that peace rains in the community.” I know Ozo title holders as those who live good and upright lives in the services of humanity. I also know them as those who maintain peace between self, God and the ancestors. They exhibit capacity for judgement, honesty, abhor crime and work hard in pursuit of private and public interest.”
A stakeholder and member of Ifakala Nze na Ozo title holders Association, Nze Godwin Chinedu Ekezie described the event as a good omen , as helps strengthen the traditional institution.
He said the Ozo title in Igbo land is so unique that not everyone is qualified to take it . “Ozo title is not an all comers affairs. It is usually given on merit. That is to say, for us to accept Uwabunkeonye, he is qualified.”
Ekezie was optimistic that Uwabunkeonye will keep to the tenets of the Ozo title institution by becoming the moral conscience of the community and should be a fair adjudicator in cases of disputes within the community.
The Ozo title, a major symbol of prominence, is typically organised with an abundance of yam, meat, wine, kola nuts and other staple foods, all of which symbolize prosperity in Igbo culture.
The event will be followed by twenty-two years remembrance of father of the celebrant, Late Pa Reuben Onyero Ekezie , who died in year 2000 , which will hold on Friday, 7th January.
Then, the ‘Abali Ozo’ (Ozo night) , will be held on Saturday, 8th January, while the installation proper comes by up on Sunday, 9th January..
