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By Simeon Mpamugoh
It was a resonance of tributes to a cultural icon and hospitality expert, Chief Alex Sunday Mpidike (ASM) Nwoye, who turned 70 years recently. Chief ASM Nwoye holds the titles of the Ochiriozuo of Ugaland, Anambra State, Bobaselu of Ejigboland, Lagos State, Onyendu Ndi Igbo n’Ejigbo, and Omereoha of Ndigbo Lagos.
He founded Aceland Industries Ltd, manufacturers of Aceland and Nigerbest Paints and Allied Products, and Rock 90 Supermarket before diversifying into the hospitality industry, where he set up the Mecvila Gardens, Rockland Garden, Aceland Royal Garden and Events Center, with two branches in Ejigbo, Lagos State.
In the traditional and cultural cosmos, Nwoye is likened to be a unifier of Ndigbo in Lagos, especially being the only Igbo man recognised by the paramount ruler of Ejigbo Town, Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area, Lagos State, Oba of Ejigbo and the Ojo-On of Ejigbo & Ijan, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oba Moroof Adisa Adekunle Ojoola, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Igbo speaking community in Lagos.
To show his weight across the divides, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oba Wasiu Oyedele Saka, the Olokolonigi 2 and the Elero of Ileroland, a historical town in Oyo State, graced the occasion of his 70th birthday shindig. ‘”The ageless injunction that we should number our days on earth, so that we can apply ourselves to wisdom still holds sway,” he noted. “I pray for many more years for the celebrant, laced with peace and prosperity.”
The immediate Past Executive Chairman, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and APC standard bearer for Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency 11 in the 2027 general election, Hon. Monsurudeen Oloyede Bello, said: “When someone grows up to 70 years, he deserves to be celebrated. It’s a grace of God almighty. Not many will turn 70. All of us aspire and pray to God to grow old. But sometimes one prays to God for a long life, but God will not grant one the grace.
“So, the fact that God has given Bobaselu Nwoye the grace to mark 70, deserves to be celebrated. Since he is healthy and successful in life, he has invited his friends, family and associates to come and share the grace of God in his life, we have no option but to honour him.
“Apart from being a leader, community builder, nationalist, and somebody who has contributed to the national growth, the economy of Ejigbo in particular and Nigeria at large, he deserves to be honoured. Irrespective of whether we’re of the same faith, ethnic background, the fact is that we are all Nigerians.”
Bello, who is popularly known as OBE,expressed appreciation for the invitation while wishing the celebrant more successful years ahead; better health, more prosperity to his family and personal life. “I congratulate him on his 70th year’s celebration. My presence is to show and demonstrate my identification with him, that God has done great in his life,” he added.
Also eulogizing the celebrant was the immediate Past President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State and the founder, Aguene Art Foundation High Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene. He said: “Onyendu Alex Nwoye is a fine gentleman. I describe him as ‘’anything can go’, because he is always at peace with everyone.
“If you come to Igbo social cultural forums, like Ndindu (leaders forum), Ndieze (Kings forum), he is there and at peace with everyone. In fact, his second name should have been ‘’WATER’,because, like Fela Anikulapo Kuti sang, “water no get enemy.’ Eze Nwoye doesn’t have an enemy. No animosity towards anyone, and no discrimination. He has worked, lived up to 70 years old and, therefore, deserves to be celebrated.
On his part, Ezendigbo n’Ajao Estate, Igwe Fred Nkemdilim Nwajagu, disclosed that the celebrant had been his friend for several years, adding that he felt excited about his celebration of 70 years. “To be sure, Chief ASM Nwoye is my brother not really my friend because we are both from Anambra state. He is a quiet gentleman. He likes to associate with groups of people who are desirous of building human resources and development,” he said.
His first son, Mr Uche Nwoye, in a tribute, described his father as a visionary leader. He added that no one had ever been in contact with his father without a good testimony of his caliber of person. One of the family friends of the celebrant, who graced the occasion was John Ejiofor Ngene. He opined that Onyendu n’Ejigbo Alex Sunday Nwoye was a father of all Igbo indigenes in Ejigbo/Isolo and its environs in Lagos State.
“He is an Icon, a man of timber and caliber who is unique in the Igbo tradition and cultural space, as well as the hospitality industry. As I wish him long life and prosperity, I pray that he lives many more years ahead,” he stated.
