By Lucy Ezeliora
The Obi of Igbodo Kingdom, Ika north east local government area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Obi (Barr) Ikechukwu Nkeobikwu Osedume 1, has marked his 17 years coronation anniversary, with the commissioning of a new palace edifice.
He said he has done well for his people just as the Igbodo Palace building projects was commissioned as double celebration for the people of the community.
In his welcome address, he said the ceremony marks a turning point in the annals of Igbodo Kingdom.
“To this end, the Igbodo palace project has also been dedicated in perpetuity to Igbodo citizens at home and in diaspora and whatever we realized in furtherance of this project, was from free will donations as the spirit of charity and patriotism directed”.
According him, “when the idea to give Igbodo Palace a facelift was first muted, i wasn’t discouraged rather I took up the royal responsibility by setting up a committee whose first outing yielded the sum of N14 million and the initial amount was more than enough to kick- start the process.
“As we progress, other concerned Igbodo citizens came on board and the results is what we are commissioning today”.
He added, “My first telephone contact with few Igbodo indigenes on this project was amazing and Unimaginable. I was overwhelmed with joy, from my own perspective.
“I was actually looking at a project not exceeding N20 million, but right there on the phone, I was encouraged to set a higher target, which actually changed the narratives”
Osedume said, “I feel greatly honoured by my people and God Almighty, this is a total manifestation of love, commitment and patriotism for our fatherland.
Speaking further, he said; “the last 17 years as Obi, have been an eye-opener, sweet memories and painstaking.
“The 17 years have so far been of mixed feelings. There have been the good times, the very good times, the bad times, and the very bad times. But, that is what leadership and the throne is all about.
*Even, life in general is not all rosy. The bible tells us that there is a time and a season for everything under the sun. In all, I would say, the love of my people has held me strong”.
He said: “With due respect to modesty, and as a result of my activities, being committed to my people’s need for close to 17 years, Igbodo has gained local and international recognition in every aspect.
“We vigorously promoted our food asr predominantly farmers,our language, our culture and tradition as the food basket of the state.
“I most sincerely appreciate each and everyone who has contributed in no small measure, morally and financially to the success of this project, there is still a lot to be done, especially in the area of environmental services beautification”.
Acknowledging some of the sons of the kingdom, who made huge contributions to the palace project he said, “God bless Hon. Victor Nwokolo who singlehandedly picked the bills for the Palace Hall, and Chief Emma Mbulu, Akwelueno of Igbodo who personally financed the peripheral fence of the entire palace ”
Igbodo Kingdom according to sources, has been a developing and peaceful town before he took over the throne 17 years ago.
The royal father said, When I came in we have just one tarred road (old road) but since I came on board I believe there is no road that is not tarred in this community. And since inception of the community, let me say, I am the luckiest Obi so far, from the outpour of love from my people, care from my people, support from my people and peace in our land. “Our people are predominantly farmers and we are doing great in farming business till date.
In the same vein, Commissioner for Energy, Hon. Jerry Ehiwario, in his Goodwill message on behalf of the Government said, the efforts of Igbodo sons and daughters in supporting the monarch to accomplish his plans has helped to maintain peace and showcase phenomenal growth of infrastructure in the community.
He said the success story of this present administration cannot be told without the support of Igbodo community.
He said: “I am delighted to be in your midst today at as Special Guest of Honour for the 17 Coronation Anniversary and Commissioning of Igbodo palace building projects. It’s indeed a great privileged”.
The Chairman of the Ceremony, Amb. Chinedu Joe Keshi, Director-General, Braced Commission, also thanked the indigenes for their support in promoting and maintaining peace in the community.
The ceremony was attended by traditional rulers in Anioma nation including the immediate past Chairman Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Obi (Dr) E.O Efezimor, the Obi of Owa Kingdom; Second Vice-Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council and Obi of Ubulu-Unor, HRM Henry Kikachukwu.
Others are the Obi of Umunede, HRM, Dr Ezeagwu Ezenwali JP, the Of Igwe of Abala, HRM Fredrick Egbunokonyen; Obi of Ejeme-Aniogor, HRM Anthony Ogboli; Obi of idumuje Kingdom, HRM Charles’ C Anyasi lll JP; Obi of Otolokpo Land, HRM Ezenwali Alioma Collins, Obi of Ukala Kingdom, HRM Obi Clement Ejiofor and HRM, Obi Nduka JP the Obi of Issele-Uku Kingdom; Chief Joe Mbulu, Amb. Chinedu Joe Keshi, other Chiefs and political office holders.
