The long-awaited Igweship election in Oba town, Anambra State, has finally taken place.
The election, which occurred on Saturday, December 21, 2024, resulted in the emergence of Engr. Sir Augustine Emelobe, who defeated Barr. Vincent Chuma Ananti. Out of a total of 1,187 votes cast, 32 were invalid, and Ananti received 20 votes. Emelobe garnered 1,135 votes, securing the title of Eze Okpoko II of Oba.
Acceptance Speech
Shortly after the elections, Igwe
Engr. Sir Augustine Emelobe gave his acceptance speech to the generality of the people of Oba, who gathered in excitement to rejoice with their new monarch.
He said “Today opens a new chapter in the history of our dear town, Oba.
Today, the people of Oba exercised their right of choice through this peaceful and transparent election to choose me, Engr Augustine Chinedu Emelobe, as the Igwe and Eze Okpoko Oba the Second. It is with a deep sense of humility and a heart full of appreciation that I accept to serve you as your Igwe.
I hereby commit to discharge my duties as lgwe in good conscience and in line with the Constitution of the lgwe and Eze Okpoko of Oba and the Constitution of Oba Patriotic Union (OPU). Specifically, I commit to protecting and preserving the culture and traditions of the Oba people; to assisting in the maintenance of TRUE peace, law and order in Oba; to attracting developmental projects which will enhance the economy of Oba and collaborate to create employment and training opportunities for our teeming youths.
I also undertake not to extort homage or demand tribute from any citizen of Oba nor will I use my position to oppress or dispossess any Oba citizen of their property.
Above all, I undertake to put in place strategies for genuine reconciliation of all aggrieved parties in Oba, especially erstwhile colleagues, relatives and friends who fell apart during this search for Eze Okpoko the Second. I can do these and more only through the grace of God and your support.
In this regard, I hereby call on the leadership of the OPU and the nine villages, the lgwe-in-Council, the elders and youths of Oba, the OPU Women’s Wing and all Oba indigenes as well as Non-Indegenes in Nigeria and abroad to rally and join hands with me to build a more developed and prosperous town for all.
I wish to express my profound thanks to God Almighty who makes all things possible. I thank our hard-working Governor, Prof Charles Soludo and his Government, as well as the Chairlady of the Idemili South Local Government Area, you, Mrs Amaka Obi-Ife Abata, for allowing us to conduct the exercise today without hindrance.
My profound thanks go to the OPU under the able leadership of Engr Anthony Uzo Ejiofor (001) for their efforts in making today a reality. I want to also thank the leadership of the nine villages and their Umunnas, the OPU Women Wing, the Youths, the Elders, the Otu Nze n’Ozo Society and their Associations and Clubs in Oba for their efforts and contributions in making this day a success.
I want to thank the Campaign Organization and the Oba Media for a job well done. Finally, I want to thank my fellow contestants for a very robust campaign and say that now is the time for us to join hands to build a better Oba.
May God reward you all for your selfless service to the Oba people. I am aware that some individuals and groups played pivotal roles in ensuring the success of this lection. I assure you all that I will personally reach out to you soon to express my profound gratitude. Oba lizue nu ooo!”
Congratulatory Messages
Congratulations have been pouring in for the new Igwe, Engr. Sir Augustine Emelobe. The IBEAYIFA Association in Lagos issued a press statement congratulating him: “The Executive and entire members of the IBEAYIFA Association wish to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the Igwe-elect, Engr. Sir Augustine C. Emelobe, KSC, GON. This victory is for the good people of Oba, both at home and in the diaspora. We also express our gratitude to the President General of OPU, Engr. Anthony Uzochukwu Ejiofor, and his executive team for their perseverance. We pray that God grants all Ndi Oba longevity and good health to benefit from the dividends of the new leadership in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
The message was signed by Elder Chukwuemeka Madu Nweke, Chairman, and Engr. Sir Chukwusoafu Uchenna Samuel, Secretary.
In his congratulatory message, Dr. Victor Oranusi, President of the Oba Union of California Inc., stated, “On behalf of the Oba people in California, USA, I extend my congratulations to Engr. Sir A.C. Emelobe for your successful election as the Igwe Okpoko II of Oba. Through God’s divine intervention, the Oba kingdom is entering a new era of peace, progress, and godly leadership. May God endow you with great wisdom to lead Oba during these challenging times. May you live long.”
The Youth chapter of the Oba community, ‘Oba Youth Wing, Lagos State Branch,’ also congratulated the new king, stating, “May your reign bring love, unity, and peace to the Oba kingdom. Long live Engineer Augustine Chinedu Emelobe, Eze Okpoko II. Long live Oba Kingdom. Long live Anambra State. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” The message was signed by Hon. Echezona Obienu (Blessed Son Studio), Chairman, and Chiemezie Emenike Zubytex (Nwayanachiye Di Na’mma Og Oba), Secretary.
Dr Jerry Ikechukwu Igwilo (Chinyelugo na Oba) also shared warm blessings for the new monarch, saying, “As you ascend the throne, may the Lord of Hosts grant you the wisdom and strength to direct the affairs of the good people of Oba to the glory of God. Amen.”
In the spirit of the Christmas season, the Oba Patriotic Sports Club has invited the new Eze Okpoko to participate in the opening ceremony of the 2024 December football tournament, starting on December 26 at Merchant of Light School, Oba, at 9 AM. The invitation was signed by Hon Onochie Ejibendu, Chairman and Hon Felix Chika Igwenagu
Secretary.
Additionally, the Oba Patriotic Union Lagos commended the Electoral Committee for conducting a free and fair election, extending their congratulations to the new Igwe. The letter stated, “On behalf of the Oba Patriotic Union Lagos, I congratulate the Igwe Eze Okpoko II-elect, Engr. Sir Augustine Chiedu Emelobe (GON), on your glorious election to the throne of Igwe of Oba kingdom. May the Lord keep, protect, preserve, uphold, shield, and prosper your reign with wisdom, peace, joy, and fulfilment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Ndi Odinani Oba Cultural Organization has also identified with the new Eze Okpoko, whom they described as a true Igwe Omenana (traditional monarch).
In a statement, the organization, which is comprised of traditional religious practitioners of Oba extraction, explained why the election is adjudged legit, genuine, free, fair and beneficial to all concerned. They said “After our executive meeting based on the letter given to us, we resolved and recommend as follows: That the two contestants, Engr Augustine Emelobe and Barr Vincent Ananti since the leadership selection and screening committee, have screened and certified that they have the criteria needed in the constitution of OPU and are eligible to contest.
The OPU, under the leadership of Engr Uzochukwu Ejiofor and his executive, should conduct an election for the two contestants in line with the Constitution for leadership election. This is our recommendation.”
The Otu Ndi Nze Na Ozo Cultural Association Oba also commented on the polls, describing them as free and fair. They stated, “Otu Ndi Nze Na Ozo Cultural Association Oba wishes to express its position regarding the election/selection of the Igwe Eze Okpoko II, which was held on December 21, 2024. As critical stakeholders in cultural and traditional matters in Oba, we write on behalf of the general assembly of Ndi Nze Oba to affirm that we fully support the resolution of the entire indigenes of Oba made at a meeting regarding the electoral processes. A subsequent agreement was entered into, which was recognized by the High Court as a consent judgment. Consequently, the President General of OPU worldwide, together with his executive members, convened a meeting at the Civic Center, Nkwo Oba, where a decision was reached to hold the election.” The message was signed by its President, Nze Ebele Ifeabunike and the Secretary-General, Sir Nze Dennis Chimezie Mozie.
The President-General of Oba Patriotic Union (OPU), Engr Anthony Uzo Ejiofor, in his Christmas message to Ndi Oba, congratulated them for the peaceful process of the election of the new Igwe and Eze Okpoko.
His words, “May I use this medium to also congratulate Ndi Oba for a peaceful, transparent and outstanding Igwe Ezeokpoko II election held on 21st December 2024 at Merchants of Light Secondary School Oba.
This election brought out the best in us as the whole nine villages of Oba became one indivisible entity during the election. I sincerely congratulate Ndi Oba for the emergence of the Igwe Ezeokpoko 11 elect in the person of Engr Sir Augustine Chinedu Emelobe GON.
This is a season for Joy, Peace and Love; let us continue to imbibe these traits of Life in building our dear town, Oba. May we also cast our minds on the Legacies of our past Heroes for us to also make a better end.
Long live OPU!
Long live Oba Ebo Iteghete!
Oba Ekene zuemunu ooo!”
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