By Oye Chijioke.
An encounter with Ogbuefi Chief Anthony Nwabuotu at Iselle-uku Aniocha North local government area on his conferment as the Ide of Iselle-uku in Oligbo Royal Palace, Oligbo Kingdom.by H.R.M.Obi Henry Ezeagwuna 1 (JP).
Sir may we meet you?
Yes, I am Ogbuefi Anthony Nwabuotu, a legal luminary, a custodian of Obidigbo traditions in Oligbo Kingdom, and a philanthropist.
What do you have to say about the tittle you’ve taken?
The tittle am taking today is the Ide of Iselle-uku, which is taken by old people, things have change and the youths are shying away from traditions of our people so I took the tittle at my younger age, to uphold the traditional beliefs of our people, the youths need to assist the King in carrying out the activities of the town, the tittle is very important in the history of Iselle-uku kingdom.
What motivated you to take the title?
Initially, I never had the intension to take up the tittle of Ide in Iselle-uku, but having been to the world, I observed that the white people who brought Christianity to Africa especially Nigeria still don’t jeopardize their way of life which is culture. I understand that culture is paramount to the people and younger generations are forgoing the things their fathers are doing to sanitize their environment. I love our culture and traditions and I will not allow people to infuse us with their traditions thereby throwing ours away.
What impact have you made in the lives of people around you?
I am like somebody who is a crowd puller, anytime I came back from oversea, youths cluster around me. In my personal capacity, I have taken over 10 youths to Germany, some to Finland, some to United Kingdom etc. Since my young days I have been in love with Iselle-uku cultural outfit, I tried as much as I can to alleviate the problems of my people, a lot of our people have received one thing or the other from me. I understand the political position of Iselle-uku, and I intend using my position as the Ide to build amenities that people will reckon with.
Sir, finally, what is your advice to Iselle-uku youths?
Iselle-uku youths should not shy away from our culture and traditions, they should shy away from crimes, violent, and laziness, they should always made themselves available for community work and assist the king to secure the town.
