Tomorrow all roads will lead to Umunya for the last Ofala Festival of the traditional ruler of the community Igwe Dr. Chris Chinedum Onyekwuluje (Ezenya).
In recognition of the contributions of Igwe Onyekwuluje to the development of Umunya and humanity at large, family members, relatives, friends, well wishers, close associates of the monarch and Nigerian from all walks of life will be paying homage to him for a successful twenty-five reign.
Igwe Onyekwuluje ventured into business at a very early age upon completion of his secondary school education and established a private business in Aba where he recorded tremendous success within few years.
He travelled overseas where he acquired academic laurels including an Honourary Doctorate Degree, courtesy of Pacific Christian University California USA.
The emergence of Igwe Onyekwuluje as the traditional ruler of Umunya was seen by many as a divine call as he emerged as one of the youngest Traditional Rulers in Anambra State in 1998, when he was crowned the Igwe of Umunya in response to the demand by members of the community, and was issued certificate of recognition by the State Government.
Any narrative about Umunya without recognizing the contributions of this great Monarch will be incomplete and most inadequate because for twenty-five years, Igwe Onyekwuluje was saddled at a very young age with the sacred duty of piloting the affairs of his subjects .
For many years he was the Chairman of Oyi Traditional Rulers Council popularly regarded as Eze Ndi Eze na Oyi.
He was elected Chairman Contact and Mobilization committee South-East Traditional Rulers Council.
The Umunya market project is a brainchild of the Monarch who also financed several scholarship schemes at Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels, all in a bid to ensure that more people in the community receive quality education.
The Royal father never relented as he continuously used his personal funds and network to secure employment and appointments at various levels for his subjects. At various times Umunya Development Union benefited tremendously from his benevolence through interventions on roads, electricity supply and strengthening of the entire security architecture of the community. In the year 2000, Igwe Onyekwuluje through one of his companies Krisco Engineering graded the Umunya -Nteje Road, built culverts and drainages in the process. The Monarch played significant role in the conversion of Umunya Health Centre to an outpost of Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital Nnewi.
Igwe Onyekwuluje touched the lives of numerous widows, youths and the less privileged persons in the society .He left no stone unturned in ensuring that the people of Umunya were properly sensitized and protected during the COVID-19 pandemic as he collaborated with the Anambra State Government, Health Institutions and other agencies in ensuring the safety of his people.
Igwe Onyekwuje also spent huge resources and time to promote good governance in various parts of the country as well as hosted many politicians from different parts of the country who sought his blessings, advice and support.
He was fondly called “Igwe na-eje uka” in recognition of his numerous contributions to Christianity and was a member of Knights of Saint Christopher and Gideon Order on the Nigeria.
He received the Diocesan merit award of the Anglican Communion and initiated a church building at the University of the Niger in Umunya named Saint Lazarus Anglican Church and the building is now at the roofing stage. This is a way of fulfilling his aspirations and providing a dignified place of worship for God.
He married Iyom Lynda Onyekwuluje and the marriage was blessed with five children, Princess Barrister Linda Ekpe, Princess Onyinye Okeke, Princess Obianuju Onyekwuluje, Prince Emmanuel Onyekwuluje and Prince Somto Onyekwuluje. Igwe Onyekwuluje will forever be cherished as a peacemaker, a man dedicated to the well being of his people, a beacon of faith who lived a life of purpose and impacted positively on many people.
His legacy as an advocate of peace and unity, coupled with his deep-rooted faith in God and humanity will continue to inspire generations yet unborn.
As part of activities marking his last Ofala anniversary, today by 5pm there will be a Church service, followed by Ofala eve activities at his palace. The last Ofala ceremonies will commence tomorrow with interdenominational church service at Saint James Anglican Church Umunya, followed by other Ofala activities at Central School Umunya opposite the Saint James Church.
Rest in peace Ezenya.
Written by DAMIAN EGWUONWU
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