AFOR/Nigeria: The people of Afor Clan in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State have installed Chief Oduegwu Okwese as the new Okpala Uku of the clan, with traditional rites and cultural festivities marking the historic ceremony at Obetim.
The enthronement followed the death of the former Okpala Uku, His Royal Highness Thomas Okpala Onyechi, and the completion of the traditional nine-day mourning period observed by the entire clan.
The ceremony, held at the palace of the newly installed monarch, attracted sons and daughters of Afor Clan, traditional leaders, community stakeholders, friends and well-wishers from within and outside the area.
It was the first ceremony of its kind to be held in Obetim in more than three decades, giving the event particular significance among the people.
The proceedings began with the formal announcement by the spokesman of Afor Clan, Chief London Onwuka, followed by the performance of the traditional rites required for the installation of the Okpala Uku.
The traditional leadership structure of Afor Clan is largely based on gerontocracy, under which the eldest qualified person among the constituent communities ascends the position of Okpala Uku.
The ceremony also provided an opportunity for the clan to reaffirm its bonds of unity, with representatives of the various communities participating in the rites and celebrations.
As the installation proceedings progressed, Chief Onwuka announced members of the new cabinet that would work with the newly installed Okpala Uku.
The announced members included Okwa Peter Odi as Igwe of Afor; Okwa Barrister Joseph Aka, Okwa Richard Chime Agenu and Okwa Gabriel Chukwuma as Okwa Uku; Okwa Sunday Onyinebe, Okwa Akpati Paul, Okwa John Oshino and Okwa Tony Ngbame as Okwa Ose-Anu; and Okwa Tony Enebeli and Okwa Tony Ejechi as Igoshi Etim.
Two additional members are expected to be appointed by the new monarch.
Speaking during the ceremony, the President-General of Afor Clan, High Chief Sony Chukwunweike Neme, called on sons and daughters of the clan to rally behind the new Okpala Uku and support his reign.
Neme, a media practitioner and media aide to the national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, said the emergence of Okwese presented an opportunity for the people to strengthen unity and pursue the collective development of the clan.
He described the new monarch as a man of peace, integrity, truth and honesty, expressing confidence that his leadership would promote harmony and progress.
Neme recalled that following the death of the former Okpala Uku and the completion of the mandatory mourning period, the traditional leadership of the clan passed to Okwese.
He urged the people to work together with the new monarch, stressing that unity remained essential to the growth and prosperity of Afor Clan.
“Having him as our Okpala Uku is an added advantage that will enable us to maintain a high level of unity, magnanimity and the big-brother role, as we must carry our brothers and sisters along for a progressive and prosperous clan,” Neme said.
He added that the people had every reason to be optimistic about the new reign, describing the new monarch as a leader capable of promoting peaceful coexistence.
Also speaking, High Chief Johnson Okuse, the traditional Prime Minister of Afor Clan, expressed appreciation to God and the people for the successful installation of the new Okpala Uku.
Okuse described the monarch as a leader sent to serve the people and expressed optimism that his reign would bring positive developments to the clan.
The clan spokesman, Chief Onwuka, expressed appreciation to the people for their participation in the ceremony and appealed to stakeholders to support the development of Afor.
He drew attention to some of the infrastructure challenges confronting the communities, including poor road networks, inadequate water supply and lack of electricity.
Onwuka particularly appealed to oil companies operating within and around the area to support development initiatives, especially the construction and rehabilitation of roads.
He said improved infrastructure would contribute significantly to the wellbeing and economic development of the communities.
A member of the Okpala Uku-in-Council, Okwa Anthony Obodoeshike, described the installation as a moment of joy for the people, saying the character and quality of leadership at the traditional level could have a significant impact on the unity and development of the clan.
The Paramount Chief of Obetim Uno, High Chief Prince Okwuguni, also described the enthronement as a new beginning for the people.
He urged the people to remain united and support the monarch, stressing that collective effort was necessary to achieve meaningful development.
The ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, sons and daughters of Afor Clan and other guests, with the colourful traditional proceedings providing an opportunity for the people to celebrate their cultural heritage and reaffirm their communal ties.
The event later continued at the country home of High Chief Neme in Obetim, where he received members of the media and members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress who travelled from different parts of the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency to honour him.
