Igwe Umueri, Sir Bennett Emeka Celebrates 4th Ofala Festival

CHIDIMMA ORAMALI

Sons and Daughters of Umueri Community, friends, well wishers and people from all walks of life converged on the palace of Okebo II, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Sir Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka in celebration of the 2020 Ofala Festival.The Ofala is the fourth in the series since Igwe Emeka took over the traditional stool of the community after two decades without a king and serves as a home coming and a unifying factor for the people.

Igwe Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka in his supplication to the gods of the land thanked Chukwuokike for the gift of life and wealth of his people. He opined that despite the challenges of Covid-19, lockdown, #EndSARS and economic recession, the people enjoyed relative peace and development continued to thrive in all parts of the town.“We thank God that we all are alive to see this day despite the challenges of the year 2020. We pray for peace in our community. We pray God also to bless the works of our hands and the wisdom to think home to develop Umueri”.

 “We also pray that we live in peace with our neighbours: Aguleri, Anam, Nteje and other communities “. Igwe Emeka prayed.The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Umueri General Assembly, Chief Sunday Udealor, said that undoubtedly the election, recognition and installation of Igwe Okebo II, brought peace, love and development to the community.

“For accepting to serve us as our king after pleas and persuasions by the community is one of the best things that has happened to Umueri Community. We all owe him our support for the betterment of our town” Chief Udealor said.For Chief Eluomuno Sunny Gabriel, one of the newly inducted members of the Okebo Royal cabinet, pointed out that the king has used his wealth and wisdom to put Umueri Community on the part of progress.

 “We are enjoying dividends of democracy from the present Government of Chief Willie Obiano because of the effort of our Igwe. He is a good man. We love him and we pray God to keep him alive in good health and wisdom” Chief Eluomuno prayed.

The occasion also witnessed the induction of new members into the Umueri Royal cabinet by the Traditional Ruler.Dignitaries present during at the ofala include: Igwe Roland Odegbo, Igwe Chukwuemeka Eri and Igwe Alex Ughammadu Nneli.

Others are; Hon.Dr. Tony Nwoye (former House of Representatives Member, Anambra East/West), the President of Aguleri National Youth Assembly, Chief Adimorah Nnamdi Ikeli, National Association of female Journalist, Zenith Bank PLC, different branches of UGA, Government functionaries, different groups, organizations and villages all paid homage to the king.