There was excitement and jubilation as the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu ancient kinkdom, in Nssuka local government of Enugu state, Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, marked the annual Iwa Ji festival.
The people were overjoyed as they rolled out drums with pump and pageantry to celebrate the occasion. The festivity attracted both indigenes and non- indigenes alike, with many flying in from the diaspora.
Everyone with the revered traditional ruler who were present to witness the event were astonished by the unique nature, historical antecedents and the share magnitude of cultural artistry visible at the event.
The royal father while marking the event, prayed for ancestral blessings and protection upon the village. The chairman of the occasion, Prof.Felix Onah praised the traditional ruler for his effort in the development of the community.
Equally, the Onyishi Oha of Edem-Ani community, Prof. Nnanyelugo Okoro, described the traditional ruler as a tool in the hands of God to develop the community.
He also said that the 20-bed specialist hospital which he constructed for the community has been a blessing to many, as the hospital has saved the lives of many indigenes who hitherto have been suffering untold challenges in trying to seek for medical care during health challenges,
traditional ruler, High Chief Ifediba (Ugo ebe n’aja ) of Ezinifite, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State also poured encomium to the traditional ruler. He was of the opinion that the igwe has done so much for his people, in terms of social economic development.
He further said that the massive show of support by his subjects suggests that the community accepts, respects and appreciates the efforts of the igwe, which is the reason for peaceful coexistence in the community.
Also in his reaction, the chairman, Eze Ndigbo in Diaspora, Enugu State chapter, Chief Dr. Pat Eneh, said that he was flabbergasted by the level of development witnessed in the community since the igwe assumed duty as the traditional ruler of the community.
He said that the unanimous support which the traditional ruler enjoys from his subjects is a reflection of his large heartedness and milk of human kindness which have rubbed off on human and infrastructure development in his community.
IMAGE: Punch
