Culture & TraditionNnewi People Should Respect Constituted Authorities –Chief Obimma.

NNEWI —  The Obi of Umuezena, Umudim, Nnewi, Chief Martin Ndukuba Obimma has advised Nnewi indigenes to respect constituted authorities especially the traditional institutions. He stated this in his palace penultimate week after marking his “Iri Ji” festival and dedication/opening of the re-constructed Obi Ezena Ogo, Umuezena village, Umudim, Nnewi.

Describing the event as a successful one, Chief Obimma said, “My guests turned out en-masse on the two days. The second day was tremendous because there was various masquerades display by Nnewi, Ozubulu, and environs that participated in the event. I thank God that the occasion was a success, there was no conflict, no sad news, everything went smoothly and happily.”

Shedding light on the history of his community known as Umueaena, Chief Obimma said, “Ezena is one man married to three wives so the descendants or children of Ezena are known as  Umueaena. We don’t inter-marry. We are one large family with blood lineage that has made us a great community in Nnewi.”

Explaining heredity as a factor in traditional leadership, “Obiship in Nnewi is hereditary. Hence, whoever is on the throne of any kindred, community or quatre of Nnewi demands respect”. He maintained that Obiship is an age-long tradition accorded supreme position: “Obiship is as old as man himself so no power tussle should exist between traditional institutions and elected officeholders because the former is superior.”

Chief Martin Ndukuba Obimma informed WAP that the 2021 dual ceremonies: Iri Ji and dedication of Obi were the maiden festivals since he assumed office in 1968 as the Obi of Umuezena Umudim Nnewi after the death of his father.