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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
On December 30, all roads led to the Isu ancient kingdom in Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State. The ceremony can be described as the climax of Christmas celebration. It was the day another illustrious son of the land, High Chief Alloysious Osondu Osuji was crowned the Lord Mayor, N’eliligbaraogu of Isu.
The Mayoral investiture ceremony of High Chief Osuji, Solicitor/Advocate Senior Courts of London and Wales also saw the decoration of his wife, Lolo Chinwe Osuji for her unwavering care, love and support to her husband. The ceremony was powered by the United Isu Progressives Union (UIPU).
The title, according to the Durukparakatam (IV) of Isu ancient kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Eze (Dr) Edward Akano, is one of the most prestigious in the land and only given jointly by the six traditional rulers from the town.
Eze Akano explained that the title was bestowed on High Chief Osuji after taking into consideration his selfless service to his people.
He said: “The six autonomous communities that make up Isu ancient kingdom found it worthy to honour him with the title, we looked at his contributions to our communities, the position is not political at all, but given to a worthy son like Osuji who we all agreed deserved it.
“Of course, we expect him to continue his philanthropic gesture to his people, he is expected to spread it among the six autonomous communities and he has been doing so.”
The people also commended the UIPU and other great progressives minds from Isu for staging the colourful ceremony regarded by many who attended as outstanding.
They noted that the venue of the ceremony, the United Progressives Citadel of Unity Secretariat was built by members of the UIPU and is one of its assets today.
The pioneer governor of the UIPU as the office is called, Nze Dom Akpala, going down memory lane to show the existence of the union, disclosed that it was formed some 22 years ago by very young progressive minds.
Akpala said that the union was formed irespective of the communities norms.
Giving insight into the Secretariat, Akpala said that the massive building has 14-room guest houses, 2,000-capacity event centre with Badminton court, lawn tennis court and a swimming pool to be commissioned soon.
He disclosed that there would be another gathering before the end of the month as Osuji and other members of the union would empower the less privileged in Isu.
Also, His Royal Highness, Eze (Dr) Nelson Obasi, the Dim (II) of Dum Nanume, who is also a retired Commissioner of Police, explaining why Osuji was chosen among the lots said: “We discovered he is capable of holding the title of N’eliligbarogu, so the Ezes of Isu and from outside joined hands to crown him.
“We have no doubts in his capability to uphold the title diligently, he got it on merit and we are proud of him”.
According to the people of Isu, the investiture of Lord Mayor in the community is sacred as the six traditional rulers from the town, including visiting traditional rulers from the neighbouring communities come together to celebrate.
Chief Osuji, a seasoned politician, business mogul and a philantropist of note, in his acceptance speech, vowed to continue to impact on humanity without segregating on any community.
Before the investiture and as a show of appreciation, the newly crowned Lord Mayor embarked on a borehole project in the six communities of Isu.
The borehole project, he explained, would be powered by solar energy even as he urged the people not to hesitate to call on him when they need his assistance.
His words: “I feel elated today as I’m being honoured with one of the highest titles in Isu, with the loving support from my wife. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to develop Isu, I’m not going to segregate because we’re one united Isu”.
Osuji’s investiture also witnessed the presence of a fellow Mayor, Johnbosco Ozigbo, who assisted his project with the sum of N2 million.
Other dignitaries that graced the ocassion are: Eze Douglas Okwara of Umuna, Orlu; Eze Kennedy Onuchukwu; Eze Godwin Ejiogu; Eze Okechukwu Onyeiuwa; and Eze Onunaenyi Uzoma.
Others are: Chief Bathos Nwadike, a former presidential aspirant; Captain David Mbamara (rtd), Chief Paul Duru, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Dr Joe Ofonha, Prince Mafford Akano and Prince Ferdinand Akano, Special Assistant to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Secondary Education.
It was gatgered that the House of Representatives member for Isu/ Nwangele/Nkwere and Nwangele Federal Constituency, Hon. Ugonna Ozruigbo and the present Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Amara Iwuanyanwu, are members of the UIPU.
The Isu clan is made up of Umuozu, which is the Isu kingdom; Isiala Umuozu, Dim Na Nume Isu, Umunakara Isu and Umunna Umunakara Isu.
