By Omali Mayor Ifeakachuku
UMUKWATA/Nigeria: In a historic and unifying audience, the Ukwata of Umukwata Kingdom, HRM Eze Friday Odini Abaja, welcomed the Chiefs of Owah-Abbi community back into the fold of the Ukwata throne and the Ukwata Council of Chiefs. The significant gathering marked a moment of reconciliation and integration between the two entities.
During the audience, the revered King, formally accepted the Chiefs of Owah-Abbi community into the Council of Chiefs. He pledged to elevate Hon. Chief Obodo-Uku Ezenwa Anigala to the distinguished position of High Chief in the near future. Demonstrating his generosity, the benevolent king assured the addition of the Okpala (Oldest Man) and the Ada (Oldest Woman) from Owah-Abbi community to the royal payroll, urging them to provide their account details promptly.
Remarkably, it was revealed that HRM had been providing monthly stipends to the Okpala-Uku, Ada, the Okwa’s, and all the chiefs in Umukwata Kingdom since 2012, underscoring his commitment to their well-being.
In his address, His Royal Majesty emphasized the deep historical ties between Umukwata Kingdom and Abbi Clan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong bond between the two sisterly entities. He affirmed, “The people of Owah-Abbi community are integral parts of Umukwata Kingdom; no one is more Umukwata than the other.”
Quoting the King’s Spokesman, High Chief Jonathan Uchejim (Onu-Eze III of Umukwata Kingdom), the King reminded the congregation of deceased Chiefs from Owah-Abbi community who remained loyal to Umukwata Kingdom during their lifetimes. He reiterated, “Umukwata is the second home of an Abbi man while Abbi is also the second home of an Umukwata person.”
Adding to his remarks, the King highlighted the significance of the market he established in Abbi, emphasizing Umukwata Kingdom’s enduring support for their younger brother, Abbi.
Moreover, HRM Eze Friday Odini cautioned the Owah-Abbi Chiefs against actions that could disrupt the peaceful coexistence within the Kingdom. Stressing the necessity of peace for community growth, he urged them to uphold fairness and integrity in their roles as traditional palace Chiefs, asserting that exemplary leadership is fundamental.
In response, Hon. Chief Obodo-Uku Ezenwa Anigala expressed gratitude to the King and the Palace Chiefs for their acceptance and induction into the prestigious Ukwata Council of Chiefs. He pledged adherence to the throne’s regulations and the Kingdom’s entirety.
Chief Anigala took the opportunity to thank His Royal Majesty for the ongoing construction of O.C.D Road and the allocation given to Owah-Abbi community through the King. He vowed to lead more Owah-Abbi Chiefs to the Palace for acceptance, affirming the community’s readiness to fully integrate into Umukwata Kingdom, echoing the footsteps of their forefathers.
The newly inducted Chiefs include Chief Eric Obodo-Uku Anigala, Chief Daniel Okpochini (The Ogbumi of Owah-Abbi), Chief Sunday Oji, Chief Ojuyenum, Chief Cletus, Chief Nnamdi, and Chief Lucky Abaja. This historic audience stands as a testament to the rekindling of unity and solidarity between Umukwata Kingdom and Owah-Abbi community, marking a pivotal moment in their shared history.
