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In his speech at the 2025 Obiora/Iwaji Festival, Eze Chidubem, Iweka, (Eze Iweka III) the king of Obosi, said, “The Obiora Obosi / Iwaji Festival is a festival marking the celebration of the new yam harvest, and of peace. The yam harvesting period in Obosi is one marked by lots of excitement, jubilation, and display of our agricultural yield.”
The 2025 festival, which took place at the Obosi Township Stadium, on October 25, 2025, was particularly special for him, as the Obosi king marked his fourteenth Obiora
Obosi / Iwaji Festival and his first as Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers (ASTRC), which he described as “an honor to lead and represent our rich traditional heritage and the prestigious kings of Anambra State.”
The Obosi monarch said the state governor had performed immensely well in the development of the state, in security, manpower development with the 1 Youth 2 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.
Thus, “Our joy today is not only in the bountiful harvest of yams but also in the peaceful atmosphere that envelops our town. The peace we cherish is a testament to our unity and commitment to one another.”
THE Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who graced the occasion, praised the writer-king for remarkable leadership qualities and literary accomplishments: “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.” He enjoined the people of Obosi to stick to their culture and venerate it.
“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. I am congratulating you on this auspicious occasion of Obiora/Iwaji Obosi festival. Keep it up. Our culture must not die. Long live Obosi kingdom; and long live Igboland,” he noted.
Eze Iweka conferred a chieftaincy title on Gabriel Omojere the title of Okosisi na-eje Mba. The king said he was a friend of Obosi and “my son in whom I am well pleased, and he is a big help to Obosi. He holds Obosi dearly in his heart.
The colourful event saw many groups dancing their way with gifts to pay homage to the king. They included the Umuezeagu Royal Family, where Eze Iweka came from.The Eric Anyamene Foundation, known for his philanthropy in the area of sponsoring the education of indigent students, also gifted the king. In keeping with traditions, age grades and cultural dance groups, as well as the Agbalanze Obosi entertained the audience with cultural performances.
The Oni of Ife, Oba Onitan Ogunwusi, beamed with smiles as he enjoyed the spectacles. Also present was the Etsu of Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; a respected Obosi chief and former Minister of Aviation in Nigeria, Osita Chidoka (Ike Obosi); and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. Others were a Member of the House of Representatives, who represented Idemili North and South Constituency, Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezim; Nollywood star, Bobmanuel Udokwu, among others.
The Obosi Development Union (ODU) led by its President General, Barr. Chimezie Obi, played a prominent role. Igwe Nwanyi, Kosisochukwu Iweka, the wife of the Obosi king, stood beside the monarch to host the 2025 Obiora/Iwaji festival successfully.
