Today, Sunday December 31, 2023, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Christopher Ndubuisi Okpala, JP, Ezennebo the third of Akwaeze, Ezeudo, Igwe Oranyelu, Igwe na-eje Uka celebrates His third Ofala festival. It holds at the Palace of Ezennebo the third of Akwaeze in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Igwe Okpala was born on 13th of April, 1956 to the family of Idi and Lolo Emmanuel Okpala of Umuideke Village, Akwaeze. After his education, he decided to go into business. He started in Maiduguri, Borno State in 1984 and later relocated to Abuja in 1991 to continue his business. His rich experience in business earned him the Chairmanship of Abuja Cement Dealers Association in 1991, a position he held for many years. Based on his character as a man of peace, he was appointed a member of Abuja Municipal Market Investment Committee under the Chairmanship of Esther Awndu. Presently, he is the Managing Director of Conson West African Limited in Awka, Anambra State. He was also a politician having served as the Chairman of a political forum in Abuja known as Dee-Dee.
Igwe Okpala also served his community and Ndị Igbo in different capacities. He was appointed a cabinet member of Eze Ndi Igbo in Abuja in 1998. He is also the pioneer Chairman of Anyibuofu Age Grade Akwaeze. His nomination by his village, Umuideke, whose responsibility it was to nominate the next traditional ruler of the town was received by Akwaeze Town Union with unanimous approval on 31st December 2007. One year later, that is on 31st December, 2008, he was coronated the traditional ruler of Akwaeze and he became the Ezennebo the third of Akwaeze thereby fulfilling the divine plan and purpose in his life.
People call him a man of Peace “Eze-Udo” “Igwe na-eje uka” and as Ezennebo the third, he discharges his duties with the fear and wisdom of God. In October, 2013, Anambra Central Traditional Rulers’ Forum saw these qualities in him and elected him the Deputy Chairman of the forum and re-elected him on 14th October, 2017. On 17th August 2020, he was appointed the acting Chairman, Anambra Central Traditional Rulers Forum and on 19th October, 2020, he was elected as the Chairman of the forum.
His sincere commitment in transforming Akwaeze has brought many changes and testimonies to the community. Under his monarchy, illustrious sons of the community were appointed into exalted positions. They include the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Charles Esimone, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike and the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Abia State, Prof. Ikem Uzochukwu.
Igwe Okpala promotes ecumenism in the community. Today, Christian denominations in the community jointly organize annual crusades every 29th December. He introduced the annual celebration of Education Day during which scholarship award examinations are conducted for Akwaeze natives in primary and secondary Schools. He also established a joint meeting between his cabinet and the executive of the town union which helps to strengthen the cordial relationship and mutual understanding between his cabinet and the executive members’ of the town union.
Also, during his regime, three illustrious sons of Akwaeze, Chief Sir Ikenna Okafor established Nzekwuabuo Foundation; Chief John Udemba established Ezeani Dike Foundation; and Chief Gregory Udemba established Ogiu Foundation respectively. These foundations award scholarships and empower to innovative and indigent indigenes of Akwaeze. Igwe Okpala successfully facilitated the renovation of two primary schools and Community High School, Akwaeze by Akwaeze Town Union, USA Branch.
Like the saying goes, behind every successful man, there is a woman. Behind Igwe Okpala is his precious wife, Lolo Anthonia Okpala. Their marriage is blessed with many children.
His Royal Majesty, Igwe Christopher Ndubuisi Okpala is the King David of our time. He is the personification of the saying that “when the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice”. This is what the people of Akwaeze in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State are celebrating today at the third Ofala festival of Ezennebo the third of Akwaeze.
Written by NZE HENRY UZOCHUKWU
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