Source: https://www.urnews.com.ng/2021/09/11/omu-institution-might-have-gone-extinction-if-not-for-obi-martha-dunkwu-onlga-chairman-hails-omu-anioma-during-otite-festival-see-photos/



...As The Centre For Omuship In Anioma & Women Development Initiative Is Unveiled

11-09-2021

The Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Hon Innocent Esewezie on Saturday, joined Her Royal Majesty, Obi Martha Dunkwu, the Omu Okpanam/Anioma in celebrating the roasting of yam festival at the palace of the Omu Anioma in Okpanam.

The festival which in addition to the Executive Chairman was graced by His Royal Majesty, Obi Dr. Kikachukwu JP, the Obi of Ubulu-uno, ably represented, Chief John Nwafor, the Isama of Ashama kingdom, Comrade Ifeanyi Nwaezeigwe, S.A. to the Executive Governor on Youth development, the House Leader, Hon Adim Ofuase, all the Omu drawn from the Communities in the LGA, and prominent personalities, as it also involved the unveiling of the Centre For Omuship In Anioma & Women Development Initiative with its building fully built and donated by Omu-Anioma HRM Obi Dunkwu for the foundation.

The foundation which is a nongovernmental and nonprofit organization was conceived and established by Obi Dunkwu in her desire to sustain the Omu traditional institution which is currently over 700 years old. Her Royal Majesty during her speech gave a brief history on how Anioma Forebears in their wisdom established the Omuship many centuries ago.

She also hailed the LGA Chairman for his work at the Council in his short time in office. She recalled how she promised to always support him before the elections and reiterated that her stand is yet to change as long as Hon. Esewezie continued to walk in the part of the people and bringing development to Oshimili North LGA.

In his speech, the Peoples Chairman was unequivocal in pointing out the good works of the Nneoha. He noted that the Omuship might have gone into extinction if not for the Omu Anioma who has shown capacity in the fight for the preservation of a revered tradition of the Anioma people. While speaking the LG boss had asked, "if not for Obi Martha Dunkwu, what would have happened to the Omu institution? This institution was almost facing extinction, but one woman in Anioma land refused to allow this our very wonderful, revered institution to die and God will bless you ma".

Hon Innocent Esewezie pledged to use his office to support the Omuship in Oshimili North. He posited that they deserve to have the recognition befitting of the work they put in for the people, especially for women and the female children. "We say this because we know that they deserve to be appreciated by the people of Anioma and also by the government of Delta State, which also includes the council." The Chairman noted that it was unfair to be serving their people without being recognized and assured them that with the help of the Oshimili North legislative arm and all the Councilors, they would do something about it.

The Omu Anioma used the opportunity to take the guests round the premises built to house the Omu Palace and the foundation, she said that it was her hope that the initiative would bring in tourist from all over the world which in turn would translate to revenue to the local government.

The event also had present the SLG, Hon Austin Ajufo, Hon Ojortumale Akpala, Hon. Odogwu Tina, Hon Hilary Okobi, other Councilors, Political Appointees and prominent personalities.

Comrade Chiedu Bandoh - P.A. to the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North LGA on Media and ICT.