Chinedum Elekwachi
It was celebration galore at the newly unveiled multi million naira Permanent Igwe’s Palace, Abatete as Igwe Engr. Chinyelugo Efobi, Edeogu II of Abatete Ancient Kingdom celebrated his 5th Ofala festival to mark 20 years on the throne.
The occasion attracted personalities of Idemili North and South Local Government Areas of Anambra State to the new palace to felicitate with Igwe Abatete and to witness the honoring of some deserving sons and daughters of Idemili with chieftaincy titles.
The titles were confered by Ndi Igwe Idemili/Anambra State Idemili North & South Traditional Rulers Council in recognition of their numerous contributions towards well-being of Umu Idemili and the development of their various communities.
According to His Royal Majesty Igwe Chinyelugo Emeka Efobi, today’s event was a triple celebration: This is my 20 years on this throne as the traditional ruler of Abatete.
“Today is my 5th Ofala festival; and also the official opening of the Permanent Palace of Igwe Abatete which is one of the biggest permanent palace in the entire South East.
Built by an illustrious son
“This new, magnificent, multi million-naira permanent Palace of Igwe Abatete was built singlehandedly by one of our Illustrious Son, Chief Nathan Ogbatue, Owelle Abatete but today confirmed Owelle Idemili,” said Igwe Efobi.
The traditional ruler who was overwhelmed with joy commended Owelle Idemili Idemili Chief Ogbatue for his benevolence and other sons and daughters of Abatete who are working tirelessly for the progress of their community.
He prayed to God to continue to bless and protect the good people of Abatete anywhere they found themselves.
Igwe Efobi further urged his people to maintain that love and peace which Abatete is known for, and asked God to give longevity to all the people of Abatete.
Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor who is an Indigene of Abatete community and also a member of Igwe In Council described the triple events as celebration of love, peace and progress, attributing it to good leadership of their traditional ruler.
He further revealed that most of the development in their community were done by the Illustrious Sons of Abatete.
Mefor also commended Chief Nathan Ogbatue, Owelle Idemili for his magnanimity to the people of Abatete and beyond.
According to the commissioner Owelle has built houses for widows, and tarred many roads in the community.
Their responses
The trio of Chief Nathan Ogbatue from Abatete, (Owelle Idemili), Chief Okwuduba Anyaorah from Oba, (Ijele Idemili) and. Hamilton Ezeonu from Nnobi (Ikemba Idemili) responded to the honour.
They thanked all the traditional Rulers of Idemili North and South for recognizing their contributions towards the well-being of Umu Idemili and development of their various communities pledging that they will do more.
Highlights of the event include installation of new Abatete chiefs into chieftaincy cabinet, Idemili North and South, installation of Chiefs by the Traditional Rulers of the 17 communities – chaired by the Chairman of Anambra State traditional Rulers Council, Eze Iweka III; Cultural dances like Choice dancers from Obosi, Igba-Ike, Egedege by Theresa Onuorah band group and different masquerades.
