High Chief (Dr.) Amb. Anthony Ikenna Obele Unveils Multi-Billion Naira “The Grace Villa” Mansion

The official unveiling and dedication of ‘The Grace Villa’ palatial home was done by the Bishop of Anglican Church of God, Aguata Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel Chukwudi Ezeofor. The multi-billion Naira mansion with state-of-the-art facilities built by High Chief Sir & Lady Anthony Ikenna Obele, was a watershed ceremony which drew dignitaries from across political, business, traditional and social spheres. Its architecture spoke of taste, class, discipline, hard work and success earned over time. But beyond the marble, glass and carefully considered design, the house stood as a personal statement, less about wealth displayed and more about roots acknowledged.

That meaning became unmistakable when the ceremony flowed seamlessly into a remembrance service for Okwunze Aguata’s late parents.His father, late Chief Hezekiah Umennata Nwaobele (Akwaa Akwuru and Anaegbuachara I of Ezinifite), was born in 1922 and rose to the revered Nze na Ozo title of Ezinifite. A man of means and standing in his time; humility exemplified, he was husband to three wives and father to fourteen children before his death in 1974 at the age of 52.

Alongside his memory was that of his wife, Late Mrs. Susanne Orieji Obele (Oje Na Nwayo), who passed on in 2014. Born into the family of Late Ughagwu and Akunkwo Ezemmuoka of Umuezagulu Kindred Town, Aguata, she was remembered as a woman of quiet strength, virtue, devotion, and sacrifice. She bore seven children for her husband and left behind a legacy written not in titles, but in lives shaped.

Speaking through their children, the tone of the day shifted from applause to reflection.

“They nurtured us with patience, wisdom, and care, shaping our lives in countless ways. Today, we remember our parents with love and deep respect.”

“With hearts full of gratitude, we remember our parents who gave us unconditional love and unwavering support. Their memory will always be our source of strength.”

In that moment, the house ceased to be merely a building. It became a bridge, between generations, between past and present. A reminder that success, when separated from memory, is hollow; but when anchored in gratitude, becomes legacy.

For those who have followed High Chief Sir (Dr.) Amb. Anthony Ikenna Obele’s private life; his journey, trajectory, and  the symbolism were not lost. Only days earlier, he had drawn statewide attention for single-handedly constructing and delivering a befitting five-kilometre road linking Aku village in Ezinifite  to neighbouring towns, an unprecedented gesture acknowledged and commissioned by His Excellency, Prof.   Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, Anambra State Governor— as a model of citizen-led development driven by the Public Private Community Initiative (PPCP) — of his Administration.

Seen together, the road and the tastefully furnished masterpiece of a mansion tell the same story from different angles. One serves the community; the other honours the source. One eases movement; the other preserves memory. Both are expressions of excellence in leadership, and social responsibility.

The gathering in Ezinifite was therefore, not just a social event, nor merely an architectural unveiling. It was a statement, quiet but firm, that achievement should look backward even as it moves forward; that progress finds its highest meaning when it remembers who made it possible.

It was indeed an epoch-making event which had in attendance the creme of the society, ranging from: industrialists, investors, foreign diplomats, top bank executives, road construction giants, real estate moguls, political office holders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, different social cultural groups as members of Akuluno United Brothers Association led by High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu (Onowu Anara); De Imperial Philanthropic Family led by High Chief Dr. Sir. Darlington Nwabunike (Eze Nwakaibeya, Ogbabalu Aku N’ Anwu Ojoto), The Pinnacle International Club led by Dr. Sir. David Nwosu, Okpotokpo Ada Igbo Nile Worlwide led by Iyom Amb. Dr. Chinelo Cynthia Nwokolo, Ezinifite Elite, Club F15, other billionaires’ clubs which Okwunze Aguata’s activities align with their community focused engagements.

Meanwhile, some of the highly established industrialists and serial entrepreneurs captured by the media lens of 4th Estate Reporters included but not limited to: HRM Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu (Ezeigbo Ghana), Super High Chief Evans Emsirim (Okwumereze N’ Ukpor), Founder of Akuluno United Brothers Association, Ichie Ikenna Onu, High Chief Ikechukwu Abraham Otti (Ikenga Umuchu), High Chief Dr. Goodwill Ebere Uzozie (Onwa Umuobom), Chairman of G.U. Ebeco Industries Ltd, High Chief (Dr.) Obinna Iyiegbu, Chairman of Cubana Group, High Chief Charles Orie (Akuatuegwu), Prince Joseph Okafor (Mmirioma Na Ihiala), HRM Dr. Chris Umeh (Igwe Japan), High Chief Sir Kenneth Ifekudu, OFR, (Agbalanze onyekachukwu, Ife Ozubulu). Chief Obinna Uzogu, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, Chief Chihozie Ibekwe.

As guests departed, what lingered was not just the image of a magnificent home, but the feeling of something complete. A son had come home. A lineage had been honoured. And in that union of stone and spirit, a family story was told the right way; not loudly but truthfully.

– Njoku Macdonald Obinna, an eye witness reporter and award winning media personality.