Ancient Ebem Community in Abia Celebrates Monarch's 35th Coronation and 89th Birthday
The ancient Ebem Autonomous Community, located in the Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, marked a significant dual celebration over the weekend. The event honored the 35th coronation anniversary of its traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, Kpoke I of Ekeluogo Ebem and Ezieogo Ebem Ohafia, alongside an advance celebration of his 89th birthday, which is scheduled for April 12, 2026.
Community Resilience and Unity Highlighted
Speaking at the ceremony, Elder Idika Kalu Uche, Chairman of the Organising Committee, reflected on the community's past challenges. He attributed these difficulties to attempts by some individuals to undermine the traditional leadership structure. However, Uche commended the resilient members of Ebem for sustaining peace and ensuring the continued unity and progress of the community.
Uche further emphasized the community's longstanding tradition of honoring deserving individuals. He noted that titles in Ebem are not commercialized but are reserved for persons who have distinguished themselves through dedicated service to the community and humanity.
Chieftaincy Titles Awarded to 29 Individuals
During the ceremony held at Ohafia LGA, the traditional ruler honored 29 persons with chieftaincy titles, comprising 19 males and 10 females. Among the males honored were:
- Chief Uduma Iroha Olugu, Community President-General
- Kalu Awa Kalu, a renowned yam and vegetable farmer
- Eleanya Kalu Ojuu, Mayor of Ohafia LGA
- Hon Ibe Okwara Osonwa, House of Representatives member for Arochukwu/Ohafia Constituency
- Chief Ifeanyi Kalu Ubaka, Director of ABN TV & Radio and CEO of Fakzy Communications, who also serves as National Editor-In-Chief of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN). He was honored with the title "Okwuru Oha Ebem Ohafia," meaning Spokesman of Ebem.
Some of the honored females included:
- Professor Adaku Sandra Idika Umeh of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
- Idika-Kalu Ngozi, Director/Coordinator of Federal Ministry of Education Unity Colleges for the South East Zone
- Orieji Emele, an education reform advocate
Traditional Ruler's Welcome Address
In his welcome address, the traditional ruler, on behalf of his people, described Ebem Ohafia as the "Land of Two Towers," known for its hospitality, inclusiveness, and lawfulness. He stated, "This is a land where anyone, no matter from where, can naturalize, pursue his/her business legally with respect to our customs and traditions, obey the natural and Nigerian laws, without discrimination of any type against anyone."
According to him, the event celebrated not only the awardees but also the amiable state governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, and his government.
Historical Origins of Ebem Ohafia
The event brochure detailed the origins of Ebem Ohafia. It explained that the people, known as Mben, migrated from Ibeku, led by Ezema Atita Akpo to Ugwu Mgbo, where they settled. At that time, the towns and villages as they exist today had not been established. Among the people was a bold and courageous woman named Mgboenine, alias Chisara, who was married to a strong and brave hunter called Kpoke Olughuobia.
Enduring Leadership Celebrated
In his address, the President-General of the Community, Chief Uduma Olugu Iroha, stated that the event, which had former President General Chief Anaga Kalu Anaga as Chairman, was not merely a celebration of longevity in age. Instead, it honored enduring leadership, unwavering commitment, and uncommon resilience within the community.
