By Vincent Ujumadu

AWKA—THE people of Nnaka, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, last week, celebrated their late traditional ruler, Igwe Gilbert Nwabueze Ofomata, who ruled the community for 24 years before joining his ancestors on February 9, 2015. Igwe Ofomata, whose title was Obu Nanka of Nanka, was selected and crowned after recognition by the then Military Administrator of Anambra State, Navy Captain Joseph Abulu in 1991. In fact, he was among the first traditional rulers to be recognised after the new Anambra State was created.

Following his death, the late Igwe was mourned, as tradition demands, for one full year before the celebration of his last Ofala. During the ceremony, it was like a mass return in Nnaka as almost everybody that matters in the town was at home to pay their last respects to the late monarch. During the last Ofala, all the seven villages in Nnaka, led by their chairmen, marched round the magnificent Nanka Civic Centre at Agbiligba Nanka with their masquerades to the admiration of the audience.

They were later to pay homage to the late monarch with gifts, which were presented to members of Igwe-in-Council. Secretary of Igwe-in-Council, Chief E. O. Uba, described the reign of Igwe Ofomata as peaceful, adding that during the period he was on the throne, there was also noticeable development in the town. He said: “All the villages in Nanka accepted and recognised him as the traditional ruler of this community. He listened to reasonable opinions and advice.

Masquerades performing during the ofala

Achievements

“Igwe Ofomata preached peace in our community and was an apostle of peaceful coexistence. His popular slogan during festivities in Nnaka, where he was invited, was Always pray to God to bring peace and development. “He was an astute administrator reputed for his overt avuncular disposition towards his fellow men. It was in consideration of the love he had for the people and the community that made the entire seven villages to gather in large numbers to give him the desired last respects.

“The Igwe-in-Council cannot sufficiently use words to describe this honorable patriot and we sincerely hope that God, in His infinite mercies, will accept him as a worthy servant.” In their tribute to the late Royal Father, the women of Nanka, under the aegis of Nnaka Patriotic Union, described Igwe Ofomata as an Iroko of the town, who respected the culture and traditions of the people.

To the traditional council of chiefs, Igwe Ofomata’s inspirational leadership, fatherly advice and personal sacrifices made Nanka unique. The chiefs said: “We have missed an icon. His fatherly advice would be difficult to replace, but we are comforted by the belief that he is resting in the bosom of our Lord. A prominent chief in the town, Chief Godwin Nwafor said that with the ceremony marking the end of  the Igwe Ofo-mata era, Nanka community will now commence the process of selecting another Igwe for Nanka.

Though the actual process is yet to begin, there are indications that those seeking to ascend the throne are already pulling the necessary strings and the expectation of the people is that the process would be rancour free to ensure continued peace and progress in the town.