It has been six months after the final burial rites of His Royal Majesty Igwe John Ositadimma Umenyiora whose Last Ofala celebrations took place on the 24th of December 2022, and was conducted peacefully.
Truly, It has been six months of uneasy calm, the discussion on the lips of ndi Ogbunike now is who is going to be the next king? Who is going to usher in the new dawn in Ogbunike? Who is next to be crowned the grand custodian of Ogbunike culture and tradition?
Who will succeed the quintessential monarch Ezedioramma1? Who will unite Ogbunike and have a peaceful reign as the king? Who will reconcile all the issues bordering on chieftaincy matters in the community? Who is the new face of Ogbunike, the new traditional leader capable of leading ndi Ogbunike to greatness?
According to the constitution of Igwe Ogbunike 1978, the traditional Council of Ndichie/Ogbuefi is charged with the responsibility of selecting, or appointing the Igwe of Ogbunike community. The constitution also stipulates that the Ogbunike community will have a new Igwe six months after the demise of their king, Last Ofala or Final Burial rituals.
Therefore, It is worthy of note that the process of appointing or selecting the new Igwe should commence six months after the last Ofala. According to the 1978 Constitution of Igwe Ogbunike, the Traditional Council of Ndichie/Ogbuefi Ogbunike and Ogbunike Progress Union OPU are expected to sit, appoint or select the candidate, and submit the name of the Igwe-elect to Ogbunike community, but in case the joint meetings of Traditional Council of Ndichie/Ogbuefi Ogbunike and OPU could not appoint or select the Igwe, the people of Ogbunike community will gather to elect their king, through secret ballot.
Having said that, there’s a review of the constitution of Igwe Ogbunike 1978. The amended constitution is in the public domain, what remains to be seen is whether the new constitution of Igwe Ogbunike 2023 will be adopted in choosing the next Igwe of Ogbunike or the 1978 constitution would be considered.
The Traditional Council of Ndichie/Ogbuefi Ogbunike, and Ogbunike Progress Union OPU should endeavor to meet and do the needful. The time has come to choose way to go. The issue of constitutional reform which took place last year should be on the front burner so that ndi Ogbunike would know what is expected of them in the new dispensation. The cultural and traditional leadership of Ogbunike community is in the hands of the traditional institution, to kickstart the process of electing or appointing the new leader.
It’s important to say at this point that Ogbunike urgently needs a traditional ruler to facilitate developmental governance in the town, to compliment the effort and support the leadership of OPU, to work closely with the state government towards ensuring that what is accrued to the community does not borrow wings. Above all, the new Igwe is expected to liaise with ndi Ogbunike home and diaspora to fast track development in the community. The Igwe as the chief custodian of the Ogbunike culture and tradition will ensure the rebirth of Ogbunike Culture/Traditional practices.
It has been two and half years since the demise of HRM Igwe Ositadimma Umenyiora, the critical stakeholders, traditional institutions and concerned citizens of Ogbunike should come together, and through a transparent, and peaceful process produce the next king of Ogbunike community. The time has started ticking, let those who are desirous to serve Ogbunike, come out in the open, make their intentions known, and let the people scrutinize them and pick the best candidate who is kingly.
God bless Ogbunike!
My name is Apostle Paulinus Okoye (Jp)
From Amawa Ogbunike
Lives in USA
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