By Regina Igwebuike :
More reactions have trailed the last Ofala festival of Igwe Chinyelu Nnaemeke Nworah-Molokwu, Okpaligwe II of Amawbia Community.
Ozo Eddy Nwokoye said that Okpaligwe’s demise was a painful experience to him in particular and Amawbia community, adding that they felt it but could not question God, seeing it as an act of God.
Ozo Nwokoye described Okpaligwe as an epitome of love, peace and justice.
Nze Ikechukwu Nwana said that Okpaligwe’s ascension to the throne was divine but now, he has gone, saying that he was worthy of a project and philosophy.
“He was committed to youths’ development, to make them superior by working to achieve greatness; that is how a town grows, which is commendable.”
Nze Goddy Okeke, retired School Principal and a stakeholder said that he was stabbed in the chest, being a witness from the beginning to end, praying that Okpaligwe journeys well.
He said that Okpaligwe lived a dedicated service life to the people and would be greatly remembered.
According to him, Igweship is not hereditary. The Constitution of Amawbia said that if Okpaligwe exits, the loyalty will go to another village but no village will take Osojeze and Okpaligwe, so it is a case yet to be determined, wishing the community well.
Nze Emeka Onuorah, former Chief Security Officer, Anambra State said that Okpaligwe’s seat has been declared vacant, praying to God to give the community the wisdom in selecting another Igwe peacefully like it was done during the deceased’s selection.
The former Minister for Women Affairs, Iyom Josephine Anenih said the last Ofala was a day of extreme sadness and mixed feelings, explaining that Igwe Nworah-Molokwu was a man sent by God at a time when it looked like Amawbia was “brotherless” and people were going in their separate ways.
“He came as a unifier to unify everybody and the society. He came at a time when people were losing their cultural values, norms and ethos that made us who we are, being eroded by extraneous influence and association.
“He came to restore our dignity and he did a very good job at that. During his short reign, you could see the revival of what Amawbia used to be. Amawbia was like a one family town where everybody is everybody’s biological relation and so that love started coming back and Amawbia is now being positioned to reclaim its lost glory.
“I’m happy because what he planted was showcased in this ceremony. You can see the love, unity, peace among us; what he planted has germinated and it will continue to grow.”
Iyom Anenih prayed that the next Igwe would continue in the same trajectory to make Amawbia number one in Anambra as it used to be.
On erecting a project to immortalize him, she said that it was not necessary, emphasizing that what he planted in their psyche are what would be used to immortalize him.
“If our children remember that this was an Igwe that loved peace and unity, that is a more enduring legacy than street names.”
Former Special Adviser (SA) to former Gov. Willie Obiano on Environment, Lady Chinwe Anaemene said that the community lost a legend, a man of the people, so kind-hearted, a golden mind human being.
She prayed that God would give the community another Okpaligwe with a heart of gold like Igwe Nworah-Molokwu even as she urged the people to maintain peace they were known for.
Mr Joseph Igwebuike, Secretary Last Ofala Committee said that life is indeed a mystery complicated by the wickedness of death, explaining that the demise of Okpaligwe was indeed very painful.
He described Igwe Nworah-Molokwu as a man of peace who detested violence at any point of leadership, noting that Okpaligwe’s doggedness in standing out for truth and good leadership qualities placed him first among equals.
Mr Igwebuike prayed that in this austere period in history that God would give the community the divine enablement in filling the huge void created by Okpaligwe’s royal transition and joining of his ancestors.
The officer reports from Amawbia.