Egbudu-Akah Community Marks A New Dawn Of Progress As Obi-Okolie 111 Celebrates Iwaji Festival Of Peace And Reconciliation

By Patrick Ochei

It is believed that a new chapter of progress has been opened to the agrarian community of Egbudu-Akah in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, as the Traditional Ruler of the Kingdom, HRM Obi Augustine Ezeagwuna Nzemeke Obi-Okolie 111 marks a new dawn of harmony and peaceful coexistence with his first new yam festival (Iwaji), christened a festival of peace, reconciliation and thanksgiving.

The king who was recently crowned and presented with his staff of office, appreciated God Almighty and the great ancestors of Egbudu-Akah for the successful planting season and bountiful harvest recorded in his first traditional celebration of Iwaji festival. 

He said it's a mark of new beginning for his kingdom, thereby calling on all indigenes of the community to embrace the peace and harmony that have been restored to the community by virtue of his recognition as the statutorily recognised symbol of authority in the community. 

The elated monarch who was flanked by his family members, community people, friends and well wishers of Egbudu-Akah, affirmed that he was ready to set a peace and reconciliation process that would further harmonize all members of the Royal Family and indigenes of Egbudu-Akah towards the new match for a progressive community. 

According to the amiable monarch, "I feel so elated celebrating my first ever new yam festival as king of Egbudu-Akah. In every community, there is just only one king that reigns at a time; and I am pleased to be celebrating this new yam festival as king of this great and blessed kingdom. 

"We are one people, bonded by one paternity and culture. We do not have reasons to fight and separate as same blood. But because we are humans, we can accept our fate; however, not disregarding any opportunity for peace and reconciliation. I make bold to say that peace and unity are my agenda for this kingdom. That is the only thing that will usher us into an era of progress and development. Therefore, this festival is a thanksgiving for me, because I know that God has already taken the centre stage for peace and reconciliation. 

"I want to also use this medium to appreciate the Government of Delta State under the able leadership of our amiable Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. He has done well for the State at large, and I use this opportunity to urge him not to forget Egbudu-Akah in his M.O.R.E Agenda for the State. 

"For the Council Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Area and my colleague Traditional Rulers, I say a big thank you for all your supports and encouragements to see Egbudu-Akah thrive in peace and progress. 

"I cannot forget the immense support, love and cooperation extended to me by members of the Royal Family. You have all been my pillar of strength and understanding, and I pray that the wisdom to continue to seek peace and unity will not elude you", Obi-Okolie prayed. 

Egbudu-Akah is known for its farming occupation, reputed for food and rubber production. It borders Ashama in the same Aniocha South LGA and Ekuku-Agbor in Ika South LGA. The only thing they lacked at the time was good road, but they had peace and they never lost hope of infrastructure development during the reign of Obi-Okolie 1, who happened to be the grandfather to the current Obi-Okolie 111. 

However, Obi-Okolie 11 reigned just for few months before the recent ascension of Obi-Okolie 111 to the throne of his forefathers.

In a nutshell, Obi-Okolie 111 has promised to sustain the legacy of peace and unity as bequeathed by his forebears, irrespective of the machination of men to sow seeds of discord within the Royal family.